Kevin Durant carried the Thunder to a pivotal Game 4 victory over the Spurs
Just about every single time that Kevin Durant takes the floor for the Oklahoma City Thunder, he’s liable to do something magnificent. In the Thunder’s Western Conference semifinals series in the 2016 NBA Playoffs against the San Antonio Spurs, though, Kawhi Leonard had certainly made Durant’s life difficult through the first three games. Down 2-1 in the series heading into Game 4, though, Durant wasn’t about to be stopped by Leonard or anyone on his home floor at Chesapeake Energy Arena.
The Spurs jumped out to the early lead against the Thunder and looked to be firmly in control against the home team. Tony Parker and LaMarcus Aldridge were rolling while Russell Westbrook was really struggling. In fact, the Thunder might’ve been completely out of it had it not been for Steven Adams coming up with some huge, surprising offense in the first half for OKC. San Antonio went into the locker room up by eight points.
In the second half, though, it was Durant absolutely going berserk and simply not allowing the Thunder to fail. Whether he was attacking the rim, knocking down jump shots, or even helping out in regards to rebounding and playmaking, he was everywhere and doing everything. He scored 29 points in the second half and 17 in the fourth quarter and pushed the Thunder ahead strongly. They then held on with more great play from Durant to get the win and even up the series at 2-2.
Three Stars
Kevin Durant, Thunder – 41 points, four assists, five rebounds, one steal
Kawhi Leonard, Spurs – 21 points, six rebounds, two assists, four steals
Dion Waiters, Thunder – 17 points, three assists, three rebounds, one steal
Highlights
Next Game
The Spurs and Thunder will head back to San Antonio for Game 5, which will be played on Tuesday, May 10 at 8 p.m. ET with the broadcast on TNT.
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