SAN ANTONIO--The Oklahoma City Thunder held on to defeat the San Antonio Spurs 98-97 in a controversial finish to even the Western Conference semifinals series 1-1 on Monday night.
With 13.5 seconds remaining in a one-point game, OKC's Dion Waiters inbounded the ball to Kevin Durant, which Danny Green stole. Patty Mills missed an open 3, LaMarcus Aldrige lost control of the airball and Kawhi Leonard couldn't get the loose ball before the buzzer sounded.
But on the inbounds pass, Waiters elbowed San Antonio guard Manu Ginobili to push him out of the way, which should have been whistled an offensive foul and gave the Spurs possession
"On the floor, we did not see a foul on the play," referee Ken Mauer told reporters. "However, upon review we …show more content…
"I was trying to rip the ball and he kind of created room with his elbow, but things happen. It's a very awkward play, doesn't happen very often, so I guess they didn't see it.
"I don't know what it is, to tell you the truth, what type of violation it is. It had to have been something. But again, it's not that play that decided anything because we got the steal, we got the shot, we got an offensive rebound so I really don't know. I've never seen a play like that."
Russell Westbrook had 29 points and 10 assists for the Thunder. Kevin Durant scored 28 points. Steven Adams had 12 points and 17 rebounds. Serge Ibaka and Enes Kanter each added 12.
Aldridge tallied 41 points for the Spurs. Leonard had 14 points and Ginobili added 11.
OKC was up 91-89 with 2:29 remaining when Waiters drained a 3-pointer from the corner.
Aldridge's jumper with 1:27 left was answered by a Durant fadeaway. Aldridge hit a 3 with 25 seconds to play to pull San Antonio within two, 96-94.
Westbrook made both free throw to put the Thunder in front 98-94 before Aldridge made three free throw to make it a one-point game with 13.5 seconds left, forcing OKC to take its final timeout and setting up for the frenzy of a finish.
The Spurs missed 12 of their first 13
With 13.5 seconds remaining in a one-point game, OKC's Dion Waiters inbounded the ball to Kevin Durant, which Danny Green stole. Patty Mills missed an open 3, LaMarcus Aldrige lost control of the airball and Kawhi Leonard couldn't get the loose ball before the buzzer sounded.
But on the inbounds pass, Waiters elbowed San Antonio guard Manu Ginobili to push him out of the way, which should have been whistled an offensive foul and gave the Spurs possession
"On the floor, we did not see a foul on the play," referee Ken Mauer told reporters. "However, upon review we …show more content…
"I was trying to rip the ball and he kind of created room with his elbow, but things happen. It's a very awkward play, doesn't happen very often, so I guess they didn't see it.
"I don't know what it is, to tell you the truth, what type of violation it is. It had to have been something. But again, it's not that play that decided anything because we got the steal, we got the shot, we got an offensive rebound so I really don't know. I've never seen a play like that."
Russell Westbrook had 29 points and 10 assists for the Thunder. Kevin Durant scored 28 points. Steven Adams had 12 points and 17 rebounds. Serge Ibaka and Enes Kanter each added 12.
Aldridge tallied 41 points for the Spurs. Leonard had 14 points and Ginobili added 11.
OKC was up 91-89 with 2:29 remaining when Waiters drained a 3-pointer from the corner.
Aldridge's jumper with 1:27 left was answered by a Durant fadeaway. Aldridge hit a 3 with 25 seconds to play to pull San Antonio within two, 96-94.
Westbrook made both free throw to put the Thunder in front 98-94 before Aldridge made three free throw to make it a one-point game with 13.5 seconds left, forcing OKC to take its final timeout and setting up for the frenzy of a finish.
The Spurs missed 12 of their first 13