Fans have been looking forward to a second-round showdown between the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs since the NBA made its postseason bracket official, but the former had to eliminate the Dallas Mavericks first.
That's what happened Monday, as the Thunder beat the Mavericks in Game 5, 118-104, to win the first-round battle in five games, 4-1:
Russell Westbrook was fantastic with 36 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists as the catalyst for the Thunder offense. Kevin Durant was also a force with 33 points and seven rebounds, while Steven Adams added a double-double with 15 points and 10 boards.
The short-handed Mavericks had to play without Salah Mejri (hip) and Deron Williams (abdominal) because of injuries, but they remained close for much of the game thanks to 24 points from Dirk Nowitzki and 12 points and nine assists from Zaza Pachulia.
The Thunder jumped out to a quick 19-10 lead in the first quarter behind nine points from Westbrook and some impressive work in the paint by Adams.
"No shock. Mavericks [are] fighting, but this game [is] getting away from them," ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NBA
Article written by Scott Polacek
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