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James Harden had 34 points and his supporting cast helped Houston overcome a 47-point game by Russell Westbrook to get a 105-99 victory over Oklahoma City on Tuesday night to advance to the NBA’s Western Conference semi-finals.
The Thunder head home a year after advancing to the Western Conference finals after Houston took this series 4-1.
Last night, #TheBeard capped off the series clinching Game 5 win with 34 points, 4 assists, 8 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 3 steals. #RunAsOne 🚀 pic.twitter.com/4dLzYIO1Oz
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) April 26, 2017
The Rockets used a 5-1 run, with all their points coming on free throws, to pull away from the Thunder and make it 98-91.
Victor Oladipo threw a pass about five feet above Westbrook’s head and out of bounds on the next possession and Harden made a layup on the other end with about three minutes left.
The Rockets began eating up the clock after that and Oklahoma City missed shot after shot that could have closed the gap.
Houston couldn’t add to the lead though and the Thunder cut it to four points twice in the final seconds, with the second one coming on a basket by Alex Abrines.
But Harden made two free throws both times they got close to secure the win.
Culled from Mail SportÂ
