NBA: Phoenix Suns topple the Oklahoma City Thunder
The Phoenix Suns rallied to a 122-115 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder last night.
The Thunder had held a 112-111 lead with just under two-and-a-half minutes remaining – with Durant passing 25 or more points for the 41st consecutive game to overhaul the previous record by Michael Jordan – however the Suns finished strongly to move into sole possession of the final play-off spot in the Western conference.
Goran Dragic scored 26 points, Gerald Green added 24 and PJ Tucker weighed in with a career-high 21 despite Durant finishing with 38 and Russell Westbrook adding 33 for the Thunder.
Injury to Tony Parker marred San Antonio Spurs 112-92 victory against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Spurs guard Parker was forced to leave the game during the first quarter with a back problem and in his absence Kawhi Leonard and Manu Ginobili scored 26 points apiece as the Spurs won their 60th game of the season.
Portland Trail Blazers had a third-quarter blitz to thank for their 100-94 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans.
Portland outscored the Pelicans 29-14 in the third quarter to lay the platform for the play-off clinching win – with LaMarcus Aldridge collecting 25 points and 18 rebounds.
The Houston Rockets overturned a 14-point deficit in the fourth quarter before going on to beat the Denver Nuggets 130-125 in overtime.
James Harden had led the fightback with 32 points, including the game-tying three-pointer with just 7.1 seconds.
The Golden State Warriors completed a first 4-0 series sweep over the Utah Jazz with a comfortable 130-102 victory, while LeBron James score 38 points as the Miami Heat toppled the New York Knicks 102-91.
The Atlanta Hawks closed in on a seven consecutive play-off spot with a 107-88 win over the Indiana Pacers, while the Dallas Mavericks edged out the Sacramento Kings 93-91 for a fifth successive away win.
The Los Angeles Clippers secured the LA series against the LA Lakers, storming to a comfortable 120-103 victory.