Thunder topple Kings, clinch top seed in West
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E-mail Shanghai Daily, April 17, 2013
The Oklahoma City Thunder clinched home-court advantage throughout the Western Conference playoffs by beating the Sacramento Kings 104-95 on Monday behind a 29-point effort from Kevin Durant.
"We were just trying to get some deflections and use our length a little bit to get out and score," Durant said. "I think we did a good job of finishing."
Durant also had eight assists and seven rebounds for the Thunder who scored 62 points in the paint compared to just 46 for the Kings in front of a crowd of 18,203 at Chesapeake Energy Arena.
Russell Westbrook finished with 21 points and eight assists, while Serge Ibaka had 14 points, seven rebounds and two blocks in the National Basketball Association win.
Elsewhere on Thursday, it was: Heat 96, Cavaliers 95; Bobcats 106, Knicks 95; Bulls 102, Magic 84; Nets 106, Wizards 101; Pistons 109, 76ers 101; Grizzlies 103, Mavericks 97; Jazz 96, Timberwolves 80; Nuggets 112, Bucks 111; Suns 119, Rockets 112; and Warriors 116, Spurs 106.
In Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Isaiah Thomas was the lone starter to reach double figures for the Kings as he finished with 16.
Travis Outlaw had 15 points while Cole Aldrich posted a double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds.
The Thunder's victory also means they completed a sweep of Sacramento in the season series.
Oklahoma City extended its lead to 24 points on two different occasions but the Kings refused to quit and Aldrich made it a 14-point game with an offensive rebound and jumper on their final possession of the third quarter.
Reggie Jackson finished off a driving layup to send the Thunder into the fourth quarter with an 83-67 lead.
"Just getting some defensive stops," Jackson said when asked about the keys to victory.
"That's how we try to start the game. Who knows how the playoffs are going to go, every possession matters. We just got some key stops. Our guys did a good job pushing the lead again and just letting us finish."
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