Thunder Vs. Lakers: L.A. Hangs On For 2OT Win; Metta World Peace Ejected

Bryant splashed two threes in a span of 30 seconds in the final 1:21 of play, both to give the Lakers the lead and atoned for a miserable performance from the field that had him at nine points after three quarters with sterling play late in the game. He added 17 points to his total in the fourth quarter and the two overtime periods, making a dizzying array of difficult shots, and heard those same chants again in overtime while canning two free throws to push the Lakers’ lead to four points — the third was technically the game-winning point.

Durant’s 33 gave him a slim lead over Bryant for the NBA’s scoring title.

Harden played 13 minutes in the first half for the Thunder, and scored 14 points in his action for the day. He averages nearly 17 points, nearly four assists, and just more than four rebounds per game for Oklahoma City, and is one of the leading candidates for the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year Award.

It is unclear whether Harden will miss extended playing time with his injury.

What prompted such a tweet? Hit the jump for video of Barry’s rant.

The name Artest is upset about is “Metta Weird Peace,” which seems pretty harmless, all things considered. It’s better than calling him quite a few other names, at least.

Here’s the bow in GIF form:

Artest tried to explain the hit by telling the ref that he was just celebrating his score by pounding on his chest, but it didn’t work: the hit looks pretty intentional, and he was ejected. He’ll probably get suspended.

The Thunder, at this point, have established that they are among the best teams in the NBA. They’re capable of beating any other team. If they want to ensure that a Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals is played in Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City instead of the American Airlines Center in San Antonio, they need to win this game. The Spurs hold a half-game lead for the perch in the conference.

Game Date/Time: Sunday, April 22, 3:30 p.m. ET