Wednesday, June 6, 2012

OKC Thunder thump Spurs

Kevin Durant #35 of the Oklahoma City Thunder reacts after a play against the San Antonio Spurs in Game Six of the Western Conference Finals of the 2012 NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena on June 6, 2012, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. (Getty Images)

(AP) OKLAHOMA CITY - Kevin Durant had 34 points and 14 rebounds while playing all of regulation for the first time all season, and the Oklahoma City Thunder claimed a spot in the NBA finals by beating the San Antonio Spurs 107-99 on Wednesday night.

Russell Westbrook added 25 points for the Thunder, who trailed Game 6 of the Western Conference finals by 18 in the first half and erased a 15-point halftime deficit before pulling ahead to stay in the fourth.

Durant grabbed the final rebound, dribbled the ball across halfcourt and raised his right fist to celebrate with a sold-out crowd. The franchise will play for the NBA title for the first time since 1996, before relocating from Seattle.

Tony Parker had 29 points and 12 rebounds for San Antonio.