Not only did Westbrook average a triple-double during the regular season, but he also became just the third player in National Basketball Association history to average one in the playoffs, joining a couple Hall of Famers. Williams made the last eight points in that stretch, making three free throws to start it and capping it with a 3-pointer from way behind the line. Not one of his teammates finished with more than 11 points.
On the other side of the aisle, the Rockets played a bench backcourt of Eric Gordon and Lou Williams, both of whom can hit from three, handle the rock, and, crucially, helm the offense without it turning into a massive pile of shit.
Westbrook, who seemingly did everything he could possibly do to extend their series to a Game 6, got into it with Beverley midway through the fourth quarter.
Westbrook had a monster third quarter, picking up 20 points in that period alone while earning his team the lead heading into the fourth.
The feisty Beverley scored just one point in Game 3 after averaging 18 points and eight rebounds in the first two games. LaMarcus Aldridge added 12 points and a game-high nine rebounds for the Spurs.
It was the third time in his career that he had 20-plus points in a single playoff quarter. Much like the entire series, the game was excruciating to watch and the Thunder's brief flickers of life did little to stave off the feeling that they were inevitably going to break themselves trying in vain to stop the Rockets from getting to the line and teeing off on open threes. Harden made 16 of 17 free throw attempts.
Parts of controversial U.S. anti-missile system moved to South Korean site
President Trump has been urging China to do more to pressure Kim Jong Un's regime over its nuclear weapons program. Forces Korea (USFK) secured the land in Seongju, North Gyeongsang Province, from the South Korean government.
Elsewhere, Nene got the better of Steven Adams all series long and Beverley did a truly admirable job on Westbrook.
Apparently upset over a no-call, Alexander left his courtside seat at Toyota Center to complain to referee Bill Kennedy during live action in the final seconds of the first quarter.
Harden didn't see it but was amused when told about it after the game.
Houston hasn't been known for its defense in recent years.
"He's just the coolest guy on Earth", Harden said. He'd get to the rim but lack the oomph to dunk or score easily, watching as his shots clanked short. "I would have probably ran over there and tried to help him".
Kawhi Leonard led with 28 points for San Antonio but he received good support with five of his team-mates scoring in double figures.
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