Westbrook Breaks Robertson's Record, Wins it at Buzzer
Russell Westbrook may have officially cemented his MVP award for this season, as he broke Oscar Robertson's single-season triple-double record with his 42nd in a thrilling 106-105 win over the Denver Nuggets. The soon-to-be MVP finished with 50 points, 16 rebounds, and 10 assists, and nailed the game-winning three at the buzzer to give OKC their 46th win of the season. The 36-foot shot as time expired capped off a night that saw a record broken that was set in the 1961-62 season. Once again Westbrook turned it on down the stretch, scoring his team's final 15 points, and had all the composure in the world with 2.9 seconds left. That's when he took a pass from Steven Adams off an inbounds from Kyle Singler for the victory. The point guard had a double-double by halftime, and clinched the triple-double record with just over four minutes left in regulation. The victory also eliminates the Nuggets from playoff contention, clinching the Portland Trail Blazers in the eighth and final seed in the West.
Cavs Blow Big Fourth-Quarter Lead, Fall to Hawks in OT
The Cleveland Cavaliers pointed the fingers at the officials, but when you blow a 26-point lead in the fourth quarter, you can only blame yourselves. The Atlanta Hawks stunned the Cavaliers by rallying in the fourth to force overtime, and then outscoring them 15-14 in the extra period for a 126-125 victory. Paul Millsap had 22 points and forced overtime with a stepback jumper at the buzzer to end regulation. LeBron James recorded a triple-double of 32 points, 16 rebounds, and 10 assists in what was the largest blown lead of his career. "King James" the fouled out with under two minutes to play in overtime. Kyrie Irving also had 45 points go to waste, as the defending champs fell to the Hawks for the second time in three days. The Cavs fall into a tie for first in the East with the Boston Celtics at 51-29, but they do hold the tiebreaker after winning the season series. Both teams have two regular season games remaining, including Cleveland heading to Miami to battle the Heat on Monday night. Both of the Celtics' final games are on their home floor.
Red Wings Roll Past Devils in Final Game at JLA
The most entertaining game of the NHL's final day of the regular season was between two teams nowhere near the playoff picture. The Detroit Red Wings played their final game at the historic Joe Louis Arena, which they've been playing in since 1979, and rolled past the New Jersey Devils, 4-1. Riley Sheahan scored his first two goals of the season, including the final goal at JLA, as Detroit ended their season on a high note despite snapping their 25-year postseason streak. Henrik Zetterberg had himself some history of his own, scoring in his 1,000th career NHL game in front of 20,000-plus Detroit fans, including former Red Wing greats. Tomas Tatar netted the other goal for Detroit, while Jimmy Howard made 24 saves in the win. Fans arrived at Joe Louis Arena hours before puck-drop to greet the Red Wings' alumni on the red carpet. They then stayed an hour-plus after the game for a memorable ceremony, as the team moves on to join the NBA's Detroit Pistons at the new Little Caesars Arena next season.
Russell Westbrook may have officially cemented his MVP award for this season, as he broke Oscar Robertson's single-season triple-double record with his 42nd in a thrilling 106-105 win over the Denver Nuggets. The soon-to-be MVP finished with 50 points, 16 rebounds, and 10 assists, and nailed the game-winning three at the buzzer to give OKC their 46th win of the season. The 36-foot shot as time expired capped off a night that saw a record broken that was set in the 1961-62 season. Once again Westbrook turned it on down the stretch, scoring his team's final 15 points, and had all the composure in the world with 2.9 seconds left. That's when he took a pass from Steven Adams off an inbounds from Kyle Singler for the victory. The point guard had a double-double by halftime, and clinched the triple-double record with just over four minutes left in regulation. The victory also eliminates the Nuggets from playoff contention, clinching the Portland Trail Blazers in the eighth and final seed in the West.
Cavs Blow Big Fourth-Quarter Lead, Fall to Hawks in OT
The Cleveland Cavaliers pointed the fingers at the officials, but when you blow a 26-point lead in the fourth quarter, you can only blame yourselves. The Atlanta Hawks stunned the Cavaliers by rallying in the fourth to force overtime, and then outscoring them 15-14 in the extra period for a 126-125 victory. Paul Millsap had 22 points and forced overtime with a stepback jumper at the buzzer to end regulation. LeBron James recorded a triple-double of 32 points, 16 rebounds, and 10 assists in what was the largest blown lead of his career. "King James" the fouled out with under two minutes to play in overtime. Kyrie Irving also had 45 points go to waste, as the defending champs fell to the Hawks for the second time in three days. The Cavs fall into a tie for first in the East with the Boston Celtics at 51-29, but they do hold the tiebreaker after winning the season series. Both teams have two regular season games remaining, including Cleveland heading to Miami to battle the Heat on Monday night. Both of the Celtics' final games are on their home floor.
Red Wings Roll Past Devils in Final Game at JLA
The most entertaining game of the NHL's final day of the regular season was between two teams nowhere near the playoff picture. The Detroit Red Wings played their final game at the historic Joe Louis Arena, which they've been playing in since 1979, and rolled past the New Jersey Devils, 4-1. Riley Sheahan scored his first two goals of the season, including the final goal at JLA, as Detroit ended their season on a high note despite snapping their 25-year postseason streak. Henrik Zetterberg had himself some history of his own, scoring in his 1,000th career NHL game in front of 20,000-plus Detroit fans, including former Red Wing greats. Tomas Tatar netted the other goal for Detroit, while Jimmy Howard made 24 saves in the win. Fans arrived at Joe Louis Arena hours before puck-drop to greet the Red Wings' alumni on the red carpet. They then stayed an hour-plus after the game for a memorable ceremony, as the team moves on to join the NBA's Detroit Pistons at the new Little Caesars Arena next season.