At the conclusion of the NBA season, the most eagerly-anticipated match of the Playoffs was Houston Rockets against Oklahoma City Thunder.
James Harden (Houston) and Russell Westbrook (Oklahoma City) are the two favourites in the race to win the NBA's MVP award. The duo would meet in the First Round of the Playoffs, in what many commentators said was a face-off for the sport's highest individual honour.
On Tuesday night, the Rockets strolled into the Western Conference Semi-Finals with a 4-1 series win. Despite losing the series so comprehensively, it was Westbrook who impressed most in the series. In all five games, he led the Thunder in points scored, rebounds and assists. He also record three triple-doubles in the series.
In Game 5, Harden top-scored for the Rockets, scoring 34 points, 13 less than Westbrook. They will now face either San Antonio or Memphis in the Semi-Finals.
.@JHarden13 doing his thing! #Rockets lead 100-92 with 3:32 remaining! pic.twitter.com/7yJruHXI3K
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) April 26, 2017
Only three of the eight ties have been completed, with the remaining five guaranteed to last at least six games, out of a maximum on seven.
On Tuesday night, San Antonio Spurs defeated Memphis Grizzlies 116-103 to lead their series 3-2, while Utah Jazz had a 96-92 win over the LA Clippers to take a 3-2 series lead.
Two series continue on Wednesday night with both tied at 2-2. Eastern Conference top-seed Boston Celtics face Chicago Bulls, while Atlanta Hawks meet the Washington Wizards.
