OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Kevin Durant scored 42 points, including 21 in the fourth quarter, and the Oklahoma City Thunder secured the No. 2 playoff seed in the Western Conference, rallying from 10-point fourth-quarter deficit to beat the Detroit Pistons 112-111. Oklahoma City had lost two straight to put itself in the must-win situation in the regular-season finale to earn the No. 2 seed.
NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Knicks finished their disappointing season with a 95-92 victory last night over the Toronto Raptors, who blew a 21-point lead but earned the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Toronto will host the Brooklyn Nets, who fell to the No. 6 seed, in its playoff opener Saturday.
SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Jordan Hill had 18 points and 14 rebounds and the Lakers closed their worst season since they moved to Los Angeles with a 113-100 victory over the San Antonio Spurs last night. Los Angeles closed the season with a two-game winning streak to finish 27-55.
NEW YORK (AP)— The Chicago Cubs were blanked twice on the same day for the first time since 1962. The New York Yankees turned the trick, 3-0 and 2-0, with Masahiro Tanaka (mah-sah-HEE’-roh tah-NAH’-kah) and Michael Pineda turning in fine pitching performances.
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Brandon Sutter (SUHT’-ur) scored on a wrist shot from the left circle 8:18 into the third period, helping the Pittsburgh Penguins rally for a 4-3 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets in the opener of the NHL postseason. Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury (marhk-ahn-dray FLOOR’-ee) overcame some shaky defense to stop 31 shots. Game 2 is Saturday night.
