HOUSTON (AP) a Kevin Durant scored 41 details in his first game without wounded All-Star Russell Westbrook, and the Oklahoma City Thunder fought off Houston's late move to beat the Rockets 104-101 on Saturday evening for a lead in the best-of-seven playoff series. Durant scored 27 points in the first half, and before they are put by a big third-quarter rally by the Rockets within striking distance the Thunder light emitting diode by 26 points. Houston regained the lead with about 4 minutes left, and was up with significantly less than one minute remaining. But Durant hit a moments later to place Oklahoma City on the top 100-99. A return by James Harden gave the ball to the Thunder right back and Derek Fisher built two free throws to force the lead to 3. Harden built a, but Reggie Jackson hit two more free throws from then on. Houston had a chance, but Carlos Delfino's 3-pointer fell short. Harden scored 30 points to lead the Rockets in the first playoff game in Houston since 2009. Sport 4 is Monday evening in Houston Westbrook was injured in Game 2 and had season-ending knee surgery Saturday. It absolutely was the first time Durant had ever performed without Westbrook, who had not missed a casino game in his profession before Saturday. Durant tied a vocation substantial for the playoffs, and he added 14 boards, four facilitates, two takes and a stop. Jackson were only available in host to Westbrook and had 14 points, and Ibaka added 11 and 17 points rebounds. A 3-pointer by Chandler Parsons tied it with 5:46 left and Delfino gave its first lead to Houston since early in the first quarter, 94-93, about 2 minutes later. Straight points were made four by ibaka next, ending with a reverse layup, to create it 97-94 with of a second and a half left. Harden struck a couple of free throws. Then Francisco Garcia's 3-pointer put them up 99-97 with 45 seconds left, prior to the clutch picture by Durant. The Rockets rallied from the 15-point deficit to have a guide in the next quarter in Game 2. Nevertheless they weren't in a position to hold on tight and Oklahoma City got the 105-102 win. It absolutely was much the same this time, as Houston went up late only to fall again. Westbrook's absence did not appear to trouble Oklahoma City early, as Durant had the major first half and the Thunder appeared to be in total control. Things changed in the next quarter, as Durant was restricted offensively and the Thunder was outscored by Houston 27-14 in the quarter. Houston position guard Jeremy Lin, who experienced a chest muscle in Game 2, began but scored only two points in about 18 minutes. Parsons added 21 points for Houston, and Garcia had 18. Garcia and Harden built 3-pointers around a by Durant to cut the lead to 80-76 entering the final quarter, after the big run got Houston within eight points in the third quarter. Durant was scoreless in the next quarter until his dunk with 27 seconds remaining in the quarter. The Thunder led by 19 details when the Rockets used a 16-5 function to access 78-70 with 2 1/2 minutes left in the next quarter. The Rockets stressed Oklahoma City in to three turnovers because stretch, and Durant went chilly as shots were missed four by him. NOTES: Francisco Garcia and Houston coach Kevin McHale received specialized fouls in the very first quarter. ... Selling great Roger Clemens and Houston Texans star recipient Andre Johnson attended the overall game. ... Houston's Aaron Brooks, who was simply the sole player on the list the last time the Rockets reached the playoffs, had four items.
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