by George Devine, Sr.

By George Devine, Sr.

As a hometown crowd in Oklahoma City chanted “MVP! MVP!” at Kevin Durant, he and his Thunder teammates overcame the Los Angeles Clippers to tie the second round playoff series at a game apiece. The final score of 112-101 represented the home team’s surge in the third and fourth quarters, but it was a tight contest until halftime and beyond., with L.A. leading at one point in the second period.

Durant — who received his MVP trophy before the game — was the crowd’s favorite, and the top scorer with 32, 17 of those points in the first period. Russell Westbrook was just behind him with 31, contributing 10 boards and 4 assists. Serge Ibaka and Thabo Sefoloska — typically a defensive standout — had 14 each.

For the Clippers, J.J. Redick had 18 points despite being guarded effectively. by Sefoloska. Blake Griffin had 15; Chris Paul led his teammates by scoring 17, and contributed 11 assists.

Game 3 is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. PDT at Staples Center in Los Angeles.