NBA Playoffs 2014 Bracket, Schedule, and Recap: Indiana Pacers, OKC Thunder, and Golden State Warriors Force Game 7 [Video Highlights]
The Indiana Pacers, Oklahoma City Thunder and the Golden State Warriors managed to stave off elimination, defeating their respective opponents on Thursday night.
The Pacers avoided a monumental upset loss as they closed out the game with a 16-4 run en route to a 95-88 win over the eighth-seeded Atlanta Hawks at the Philips Arena in Atlanta.
David West had a big night for the Pacers, scoring 12 of his 24 points in the final period while also adding 11 rebounds and six assists.
All-Star forward Paul George added 24 points and eight rebounds, while Lance Stephenson added 21 points and nine rebounds for the Pacers, who limited the Hawks to 35.8 percent shooting from the field.
Game 7 will be on Saturday night, 8 p.m. ET, at the Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
The OKC Thunder also avoided elimination, cruising to a dominating 104-84 win over the Memphis Grizzlies at the FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tennessee.
Kevin Durant responded to his critics, with one major newspaper in Oklahoma labelling him as "Mr. Unreliable," by finishing with 36 points and 10 rebounds, while Russell Westbrook finished with 29 points, nine rebounds, and five assists.
"We needed to win this game," said Durant, who averaged just 20.5 points in their last two games. "That's more motivation than anything, so our team responded. We've got to do an even better job in Game 7."
The playoff series decider is scheduled on Saturday, 8 p.m. ET, at the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City.
The Golden State Warriors held off a late rally from the Los Angeles Clippers, escaping with a 100-99 win at the Oracle Arena in Oakland.
Andre Iguodala knocked down a three-pointer to give the Warriors a 96-89 lead with 2:31 left in the game. The Clippers pulled within two points, 98-96, with 55 seconds left to play.
Harrison Barnes made two free throws in the ensuing play to extend the lead to four points. Matt Barnes converted another three-pointer with two seconds left in the game, but it was not enough for the Clippers as the Warriors escaped with a one-point victory.
Game 7 will also take place on Saturday night, 8:30 p.m. ET, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.