Durant scores 51 including game-winner in 2OT

TORONTO, March 21 (Xinhua) — Forward Kevin Durant hit a game-winning three-pointer with 1.7 seconds left to cap off a 51-point effort to lead his Oklahoma City Thunder 119-118 over Toronto Raptors in a double overtime NBA game on Friday night.

With 49 seconds remaining in the second overtime, Oklahoma City was down 118-110. Durant and teammate Derek Fisher hit two key three-pointers to reduce Toronto’s lead to two at 118-116.

After Raptors forward John Salmons missed two free throws, the Thunder controlled possession with nine seconds remaining.

Following a Thunder timeout to advance the ball, Durant received the inbound pass and calmly hit a three-pointer while heavily defended by Raptors forward Amir Johnson to put his team up 119-118.

Toronto’s was unable to score in the remaining 1.7 seconds of the game against the Oklahoma City defence.

Thunder head coach Scott Brooks was extremely proud of his team’s perseverance in the final minute of the game.

“The way our team is made up, the way they fight for each other it’s never over,” Brooks said after the game. “The defence and spirit of our team gave us the chance to win this game.”

Brooks is also proud of his team’s willingness to go the extra mile when necessary.

“I talked to the guys. It’s not about doing your best; it’s doing whatever it takes. There’s a subtle difference and I believe in that difference.” said Brooks. “That’s what makes you a good team. You have to be able to have that mentality every day, you can’t just turn it on, and that’s what we do as a group.”

One of the biggest advocates of Brooks’ philosophy is All-Star Kevin Durant.

Durant’s 51-point effort against the Raptors was his second 50-plus effort this season, and fourth of his career. His other effort this season was a career-high 54-point performance against Golden State on Jan. 17.

Despite not surpassing his career-high in the victory against Toronto, Durant was overwhelmed with the emotional swings at the end of the game.

“Down eight with less than a minute to go, two guys fouled out, Russ (Westbrook) was out, (being a) back-to-back, just a crazy game,” said Durant after the game. “We had to get out of there. I wasn’t trying to go to another overtime. That was the craziest game I have ever been a part of.”

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