Rockets take out Westbrook, Thunder

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The Thunder fell Tuesday night to Houston in Game 5 of the series between the two teams.

The Rockets used a 5-1 run, with all their points coming on free throws, to pull away from the Thunder and make it 98-91.

The Rockets began eating up the clock after that and Oklahoma City missed shot after shot that could have closed the gap.

To emphasise Westbrook's dominance for the visitors, the next-best scoring Thunder players were Alex Abrines and Jerami Grant with just 11 points apiece.

When it came down to winning time in the fourth quarter, James Harden made plays and got some help from his friends.

Westbrook poured in 47 points, grabbed 11 rebounds and handed out nine assists but it was not enough to prevent Houston seeing off the Thunder 105-99 at Toyota Centre. The Houston guard scored 15 points to go with eight rebounds and three assists, but was also a defensive dynamo while locked primarily on Westbrook, who attempted an National Basketball Association playoff-record 18 3-pointers and made just five of them.

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.

The Spurs own a three-games-to-two lead in their series after Kawhi Leonard scored 28 points in a 116-103 win over the Grizzlies. Tony Parker scored 16 points, Patty Mills added 20 and Manu Ginobili, who hadn't scored a point in the series before Tuesday, scored 10 points to give San Antonio a lift off the bench.

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What will decide Tuesday night's game? The Penguins responded to pull within one again at 2:10 of the third on Kuhnhackl's goal. F Matt Calvert also was back after serving a one-game suspension for breaking his stick over the back of Kuhnhackl on Friday.

Mike Conley had 26 points and Marc Gasol added 17 for the Grizzlies, who have lost nine straight postseason games in San Antonio.

Beverley says he believes he should be named to the first-team All-NBA defensive team. The Spurs and Jazz also played Tuesday and took 3-2 leads over the Grizzlies and Clippers respectively. He averaged 11.6 points a game, but was arguably Houston's second-most valuable player because of his hustle and defense on Westbrook.

Chris Paul's 3-pointer drew the Clippers within two with 5 seconds left. Harden made 16 of 17 free throw attempts. For the entire series, Houston only outscored Oklahoma City by 43 points.

Game 6 is Friday in Salt Lake City.

They did well to rally back from an 11-point third-quarter deficit to lead by five heading into the final term.

Paul and Hayward were called for double technical fouls with 40 seconds to go. They were plus-24 when he was on the bench.

The Spurs shot over 52 percent from the field and made 14-of-28 3-pointers.

Joe Johnson's step back jumper extended Utah's lead to 92-87. At times, they showed the ruthless efficiency and patience to get the best shot possible that has become a hallmark of their success during their two-decade run of contention.

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