The Oklahoma City Thunder weren't technically playing an elimination game, but you wouldn't have known it by the way they performed in the second half against the Spurs on Sunday night.
The Thunder came out of the break with a vengeance, beating San Antonio 111-97 to tie the series at two games apiece — thanks in large part to a late surge led from Kevin Durant. The 2013-14 NBA MVP scored 29 of his 41 points in the second half. He also chipped in five rebounds and four assists.
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The loss would have almost certainly spelled doom for the Thunder's chances of winning the series, as they would have returned to San Antonio down 3-1.
The Thunder also got a big lift from Russell Westbrook, whose 15 assists were more than the 12 the Spurs accumulated as a team.
The Atlanta Hawks, meanwhile, were eliminated on Sunday as the Cleveland Cavaliers held on for a 100-99 victory to complete a series sweep. Cleveland awaits the winner of the Toronto Raptors and Miami Heat series, which Toronto currently leads 2-1.
Stud of the night
Sunday was The Day of Kevin. It started with Kevin Love scoring 27 points and grabbing 13 rebounds while hitting eight of his 15 attempts from the 3-point line. And then, not to be outdone, Kevin Durant took over for the Thunder.
Dud of the night
Jeff Teague once again turned in a less-than-stellar performance, scoring just five points and dishing out just two assists while turning the ball over three times for the Hawks on Sunday.
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Tweet of the night
Mama Durant, a.k.a "The Real MVP," showed up and her son dialed it back to his former MVP self.
SO PROUD of my son @KDTrey5 #TheRealMVP & @NBA @okcthunder Great Game on @NBAonTNT So Blessed. pic.twitter.com/xvtTSG3fcX
— Wanda Durant (@MamaDurant) May 9, 2016
Looking ahead
Toronto Raptors at Miami Heat, Game 4, 8 p.m. ET, TNT (TOR leads 2-1) — The Raptors now have the momentum in the series, having won the last two games. The Heat will have to figure out a way to get back into the series or face a dreaded 3-1 deficit when it shifts back to Toronto.
Golden State Warriors at Portland Trail Blazers, Game 4, 10:30 p.m. ET, TNT (GS leads 2-1) — The Trail Blazers managed to get back into the series with a solid win at home in Game 3. Stephen Curry is listed as doubtful for Game 4, so they still have to feel pretty good about their chances at tying the series.