Durant’s 3 In OT Helps Thunder Edge 76ers 110-105

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant hits a 3-pointer in the final seconds of regulation.

One thing that was discovered during Wednesday night’s game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Philadelphia 76ers is that both teams are clearly on the rise.

The Thunder got the head start in that respect, but under coach Doug Collins, the 76ers are methodically making a climb in the seeding department in terms of the Eastern Conference playoff chase.

This contest, which took place at Wells Fargo Center, could have been arguably the best game on Wednesday’s NBA schedule.

Although Philadelphia shot just 42 percent, they managed to hang with Oklahoma City for 48 minutes, sending the game into overtime. The Sixers made just two baskets in the extra period, allowing the Thunder to escape the City of Brotherly Love with the 110-105 victory.

Kevin Durant had 13 points and 10 boards in the first half as Oklahoma City shot 56 percent from the field; meanwhile, Jodie Meeks and Jrue Holiday each and Philadelphia shot 58 percent from beyond the arc, sending both teams to their respective locker rooms tied up at 55-all.

Durant scored a rare four-point play as he was fouled behind the arc by Thaddeus Young, sending the Thunder into the fourth ahead 82-80.

Lou Williams got a feed from Elton Brand, then drained a 3-pointer and gave the Sixers a 101-96 lead. But duranttied things up at 101 with a trey with 6.2 seconds left in regulation.

Philadelphia’s Andre Iguodala was whistled for an offensive foul with just 1.9 ticks left on the game clock, giving Oklahoma City one last crack at the win. But a Durant long-range shot attempt just missed, sending the game into overtime.

Another Durant 3 shell-shocked the Sixers to begin the extra period, putting the Thunder up 108-105 and sealing the win.

Speaking of Durant, he led all Thunder scorers with a game-high 34 points (including three 3-pointers), along with 16 rebounds, 2 assists and a block while Westbrook added 27 with 5 rebounds, 12 assists and a steal, but also committing 7 turnovers. Nick Collison, from off the bench, chipped in 13 with 10 rebounds and a steal.

Holiday and Williams shared high-scoring honors for the 76ers with 22 points apiece – with Holiday grabbing 4 rebounds, dishing out 8 assists, along with 3 steals while Williams grabbed 3 boards, dished out 3 assists, along with a steal. Jodie Meeks added 17 (including three treys) with 7 rebounds and 2 steals while Iguodala chipped in 14 with 6 rebounds, 8 assists and 3 steals, but also turning the ball over 6 times. Brand earned a double-double, scoring 13 with 15 rebounds.

Both teams return to action on Friday, as Oklahoma City (40-23) returns home to host the Detroit Pistons while Philadelphia (33-31) remains at home to host the Boston Celtics.

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2 Responses to “Durant’s 3 In OT Helps Thunder Edge 76ers 110-105”

  1. Russ Loede says:

    Two teams I really, really, really want to see in the 1st round of the NBA Playoffs. Two of the most exciting clubs in the Association. With OKC you have a Championship contender, the greatest threat to a Lakers 4-peat in the Western Conference (Boston, Miami are the greatest threats to a 3-peat in the Finals), whereas with Philly, you have a squad that can take a contender (Chicago, Orlando, maybe Boston) to the brink of elimination because of their plethora of instant scoring options. Either way, either team, I just love to see uptempo basketball! Also, give me the Denver Nuggets, Phoenix Suns, and New York Knicks 1st round match-ups! Talk about fun hoops!

  2. GENO says:

    Guys I saw the game on directv. and i have been a sixer fan all of my life. I balme the referee’s for letting a fake move by Kevin Durant hoodwink and fool the officials for calling fouls on the 76ers. the sixers are a young team, and coach Doug Collins has done a sensational job with what he has. I hope that the 76ers aere scouting Aaric Murray of La Salle—-we need a shoot blocker—and then go for another guard with height, and is great defensively. Thanks again for listening—Iam Geno from Birmingham, Alabama

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