Serge Ibaka’s putback layup at the buzzer fell just short, allowing the Rockets to hang on for a 105-103 victory over the Thunder to stay alive in that best-of-seven series. Elsewhere, the Nets pulled away late and the Hawks tied their series at two against Indiana.
Parsons coming into his own as series continues

USA TODAY SportsOne of the keys to the game before the opening tip was the play of Harden, and if one were to figure he’d finish with 15 points on 4-of-12 shooting, then it would seem as though the Rockets were doomed.
“We know we can play with these guys,” Parsons told reporters following the game via NBA.com. “We know we can beat these guys. There was no way we were going to give this thing up.”
Read Article >Durant goes down but stays in

USA TODAY SportsDurant dove for a ball near the scorer’s table and landed awkwardly on his wrist, immediately grabbing it while in obvious discomfort. He went to the sidelines during a stoppage of play, but was able to return to the floor after getting some attention from team trainers.
He is in the middle of a strong performance and will be instrumental in any attempt for the Thunder to eliminate the Rockets via a sweep. To this point, he has 26 points on 8-of-11 shooting, adding five rebounds and three assists. His five turnovers have contributed to Houston’s attempt at a comeback.
Read Article >Chuck hears all these idiots on TV


Hat-tip to Grantland’s Bill Barnwell for pointing this out.
Read Article >Durant shows he can do it all through two frames

USA TODAY SportsParsons in particular is on his way to becoming a star in the league, and if he can lead the Rockets past the Thunder in order to survive, especially on a night where Harden clearly isn’t at his best, then it will go a long way toward solidifying his already-growing confidence as a young player with obvious talent.
Now, the burning question is whether or not Houston has enough left in the tank to challenge Oklahoma City for the final two quarters.
Read Article >Tom Thibodeau is losing his mind


Bulls try to eliminate Nets without Hinrich

USA TODAY SportsHinrich is in a walking boot and could miss the rest of the series after playing 60 minutes in the Bulls’ 142-134 triple-overtime victory in Game 4. Hinrich scored 18 points and dished 14 assists in the game, but a calf injury was revealed afterward and he can barely walk without the boot.
Here are three things to watch for in Game 5.
Read Article >Thunder, Bulls look to advance Monday

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