The Thunder took a 2-1 series lead with a gutsy 118-112 win over the Clippers at Staples Center on Friday night. Kevin Durant scored 36 points and Russell Westbrook took over the game late for 23 points and 13 assists. Oklahoma City and Los Angeles played within eight points of each other the entire game with the Thunder finally taking an eight-point lead late in the game.
Los Angeles could not get over the hump at the end and make the defensive stops to make the game tight. Every Clippers score was answered in kind by the Thunder, whether it was Kevin Durant pulling up for a jumper or Westbrook aggressively attacking the rim or pulling up for three. This was one of Oklahoma City’s best offensive performances of the postseason.
Blake Griffin had 34 points, Chris Paul had 21 points and Jamal Crawford added 20.
