While most of the sports media was focused on the NFL Draft this weekend, there have been some fantastic playoff games. Sunday night featured a clash between two Western Conference powerhouses fighting to move on to the next round. The other matchup of the night was the Washington Wizards, looking to even up the series with the Indiana Pacers. Both games featured dramatic endings which included some fantastic comebacks.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Los Angeles Clippers
The Thunder came into Los Angeles looking to carry their momentum and sweep the Clippers at home. The Thunder seemed to be in control the entire game, leading 32-15 after the first quarter. The Thunder continued their dominance and were up by as many as 22 points in the game. However, the Clippers were led by Darren Collison in a fourth quarter comeback to even the series 2-2. The Clippers won the game by a score of 101-99 and scored 38 points in the fourth quarter. The Thunder were led by; Kevin Durant who turned in 40 points and seven rebounds and Russell Westbrook who scored 27 points and dished out eight assists. Only one other Thunder player scored in double figures. The Clippers were led by Chris Paul who finished the night with 23 points, 10 assists, five rebounds, and four steals. The teams will return to Oklahoma for game five.
Indiana Pacers vs Washington Wizards
The Wizards entered tonight’s game hoping to tie the series with Indiana at 2-2. With the roar of the home crowd behind them the Wizards got off to a hot start, leading the Pacers at halftime by a score of 55-38. Unfortunately for the Wizards, the Pacers were able to rebound from the slow start and dominate in the third quarter. The Pacers outscored the Wizards 57-37 in the second half, winning the game 96-92. The Pacers were led by Paul George who scored39 points and pulled down 12 rebounds. Roy Hibbert had another strong performance with 17 points and nine rebounds. The Wizards were led by Bradley Beal, who continues his outstanding play in the playoffs. Beal finished with 20 points, five rebounds, and five assists. The Wizards are now down 3-1 in the series and will have to travel to Indiana for game five.