Game 5 of the Western Conference Semifinal series between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs went down to the wire on Tuesday night, in what has been the most competitive and exciting series of the playoffs this year.
With the Thunder up one, Dion Waiters inbounded the ball to Russell Westbrook, who drove past Kawhi Leonard and Manu Ginobili, who were trying to foul him. He then made his way to LaMarcus Aldridge, who tried to swipe at the ball, but Westbrook was able to alter his body, and get the layup to put his team up three.
The Russ Effect. pic.twitter.com/tXEzkVEZfk
— Complex Sports (@Complex_Sports) May 11, 2016
Westbrook would make the free throw, putting the Thunder up four at 95-91. That would be enough for the Thunder to win the game, and steal Game 5 on the road in San Antonio, giving the Thunder a 3-2 series lead. It might have been Westbrook’s second-most athletic play of the game, behind running Patty Mills into the floor.
The Thunder win puts them in an excellent position to win the series. Game 6 will be on their home floor where they are so tough to beat, and should they win, will face the winner of the Golden State-Portland series (which, it very much looks like that will be Golden State).
Both of these teams are considered to be the biggest challengers to the Warriors in either conference, and they have both looked the part in this series. The Spurs have appeared to be a more consistent team over the course of the season, with the Thunder having well-documented fourth quarter woes. But, twice this series, the Thunder have closed a game out in the final seconds.
This could be a good omen for the Thunder. They have to feel good about themselves going into a Game 6 at home in a closeout game. Yet, it won’t be easy against the Spurs, who have had a truly great season.
