Kevin Durant was quite reliable, pouring in 36 points to lead Oklahoma City to a blowout win in Memphis to force a Game 7. Elsewhere, led by David West, Indiana stayed alive, rallying from a five-point deficit with three minutes left to top the Hawks, 95-88. Later Golden State edged the Clippers, 100-99, sending that series to Game 7 on Saturday as well.
What happened Thursday in the NBA Playoffs
Joe Murphy/Getty ImagesThree teams faced elimination on Thursday. All three times managed to win and force their series to the brink. Most notably, Kevin Durant stepped up after a newspaper headline questioned him, leading Oklahoma City to a blowout win over Memphis.
Read Article >Roy Hibbert’s series in perspective
Andy LyonsAs you well know, Roy Hibbert is having a horrid series against the Hawks. On Thursday, in an elimination game, he went scoreless ... for the second straight game. All-Star Weekend seems so far away.
Hibbert has racked up all of 24 points and 19 rebounds through six games. Here is a list of players who have matched or exceeded those numbers in a single playoff game just since 2000. Via Basketball-Reference’s Play Index.
Read Article >Warriors survive Clippers to force Game 7
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY SportsThe Clippers were still within striking distance down the stretch, but J. J. Redick was called for a charge with 55 seconds left, and the Warriors were able to close the game out on free throws.
Game 7 is set for 10:30 p.m. Saturday in Los Angeles and will be televised on TNT.
Read Article >Jermaine O’Neal leaves game with knee injury
Stephen DunnGolden State Warriors big man Jermaine O’Neal left Game 6 against the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night after colliding with Glen Davis. It appears the 35-year-old hyper-extended his knee on the play.
O’Neal was down on the ground for several seconds, and had to be helped off the court. The Warriors big man tried to put weight on it, but had to be escorted back to the locker room.
Read Article >Durant, Westbrook dominate Memphis to force Game 7
Joe RobbinsStarting to think Russell Westbrook’s knee is just fine.
Durant broke out for 36 points on 11-of-23 shooting, missing all his three-pointers but shooting 15 free throws. The Thunder All-Star forward made it a point to get to the line against the Grizzlies, who have been stingy all series on defense.
Read Article >Pacers force Game 7 against Hawks
Mike ZarrilliMike Scott can do more than just shoot threes.
Teague led all scorers with 29 points on 8-of-21 shooting, adding four rebounds and two assists. Millsap scored 16 points to go with a game-high 18 rebounds, adding five assists, three steals and two blocks. Lou Williams had 16 points off the bench.
Read Article >Larry Bird seems worried
Are you worried about it?
Read Article >Westbrook standing putback dunk
Starting to think Russell Westbrook’s knee is just fine.
Read Article >Mike Scott throws down dunk on Ian Mahinmi
George Hill and Mike Scott slapfight
