Houston Rockets’ James Harden (13) drives toward the basket as Oklahoma City Thunder’s Andre Roberson, second from left, defends during the first half in Game 5 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series, Tuesday, April 25, 2017, in Houston. AP
LOS ANGELES—James Harden scored 34 points as the Houston Rockets withstood a furious effort from Oklahoma City star Russell Westbrook to oust the Thunder from the NBA playoffs on Tuesday (Wednesday, Manila time).
The Rockets beat the Thunder 105-99 to win their best-of-seven Western Conference first-round series four games to one.
GAME 1 RESULT: Harden, Rockets rout Thunder in Game 1
GAME 2 RESULT: Rockets overcome Westbrook’s 51, take 2-0 lead over Thunder
GAME 3 RESULT: Thunder survive Rockets, claw back in series
GAME 4 RESULT: Balanced scoring helps Houston down Oklahoma in game 4
Rockets reserve Lou Williams scored 10 of his 22 points early in the fourth quarter as the Rockets responded to a sensational third quarter from Westbrook, who carried his team to a 77-72 lead going into the final period.
Westbrook scored 10 straight points in one stretch and finished with 20 points, five rebounds and three assists in the third.
But Williams opened the fourth with two free throws and added three more from the line along with a three-pointer as the Rockets regained the advantage with Westbrook on the bench and they held on even after Westbrook re-entered the game as the Thunder missed a string of shots.
Westbrook finished with 47 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists but connected on just two of his 11 shots in the final period.
No other Thunder player scored more than 11 points, while Harden had scoring support not only from Williams but also from the 15 points from guard Patrick Beverly and 14 from Brazilian reserve Nene.
In the second round the Rockets will face either the San Antonio Spurs or Memphis Grizzlies.