Westbrook powers Thunder to 2nd round, eliminates Mavericks
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) goes up for a basket ahead of Dallas Mavericks guards Devin Harris (34) and Raymond Felton (2). AP
OKLAHOMA CITY – Russell Westbrook had 36 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists, and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Dallas Mavericks 118-104 on Monday (Tuesday Manila time) to win the first-round playoff series 4-1 and advance to the Western Conference semifinals.
Westbrook was 13 of 23 from the field and 7 of 8 on free throws. Kevin Durant scored 33 points and Steven Adams added 15 points and 10 rebounds for the Thunder, who will play the San Antonio Spurs in a series that begins Saturday (Sunday Manila time).
Oklahoma City shot 50.6 percent from the field and outrebounded the Mavericks 42-35.
Dirk Nowitzki scored 24 points, Justin Anderson had 14 and Zaza Pachulia added 12 points, nine assists and seven rebounds for the Mavericks, who were hampered by injuries throughout the series.
Oklahoma City lost Game 2 85-84 at home, then won three straight, including two on the road.
Westbrook scored 13 points in the first quarter to help the Thunder take a 35-24 lead. The Mavericks closed to 57-55 in the second quarter, but Oklahoma City closed the half strong to lead 68-61 at the break.
Durant scored 20 points in the first half. Nowitzki scored 17 and Pachulia added 12 points, seven assists and five rebounds in the first half to keep the Mavericks close.
A 3-pointer by Westbrook late in the third quarter put the Thunder ahead 93-79, and Oklahoma City took a 93-83 lead into the fourth quarter.
The Mavericks trimmed it to 107-103 with 4:08 left before the Thunder pulled away. Durant hit a fadeaway and was fouled by Nowitzki, who was then called for a technical. Durant made both free throws to put Oklahoma City up 113-103 with 2:49 to play.
