Thunder Hold Off Rockets, 104-101, One Game Away From Sweep
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Scott Halleran/Getty Images(HOUSTON) — Kevin Durant took the Oklahoma City Thunder on his back and guided them to a 104-101 victory over the Rockets on Saturday night to take a 3-0 series lead.
Without All-Star guard Russell Westbrook, who will miss the remainder of the playoffs due to injury, Durant poured in 41 points and 14 rebounds in the victory for the Thunder.
Houston took the lead with 37 seconds remaining, but Durant got a fortunate bounce on a three-pointer that went in and gave the Thunder the lead for good at 100-99.
Veteran guard Derek Fisher hit two big free throws to push the lead to three following a turnover by former Oklahoma City guard James Harden.
Prior to the game, the Thunder received the news that Westbrook will be out the entire playoffs after undergoing knee surgery to repair a lateral meniscus tear in his right knee.
Game four is Monday night in Houston.
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