NBA Daily Blog Playoff Edition: Thunder advance to the Western Conference Finals, defeats the Lakers in Game 5 106-90. Celtics go up 3-2 vs the 76ers 101-85.

The Oklahoma City Thunder celebrate their victory in Game 5 vs the Lakers

Photo ©NBA/Thunder.com

The Oklahoma City Thunder advance to the Western Conference Finals for the second straight season as they take the series win against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 5 at the Chesapeake Energy Arena 106-90. The Thunder will now face the #1 team in the West, the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Finals which will begin in San Antonio on May 28.

Russell Westbrook led the Thunder with 28 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds and 2 steals. Kevin Durant finished with a double-double 25 points and 10 rebounds with 4 assists and 2 steals. James Harden off the bench added 17 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. Kendrick Perkins pulled down 11 rebounds with 6 points and 2 blocks. Serge Ibaka added 8 points, 6 rebounds and 3 blocks.

Kobe Bryant led the Lakers with 40 points, 5 rebounds and 2 steals. Pau Gasol finished with a double-double 14 points and 16 rebounds with 3 blocks. Metta World Peace added 11 points, 5 assists, 3 rebounds and 2 steals. Andrew Bynum added 10 points and 4 rebounds.

In Boston, the Boston Celtics take a 3-2 series lead as they win Game 5 against the Philadelphia 76ers at the TD Garden 101-85. Game 6 will be back in Philadelphia on May 23. Brandon Bass led the Celtics with 27 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 blocks. Kevin Garnett added 20 points, 6 rebounds and 2 steals. Paul Pierce added 16 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists. Rajon Rondo finished with a double-double 13 points and 14 assists with 4 rebounds and 2 steals. Rookie Greg Stiemsma off the bench added 10 points and 3 blocks. Elton Brand led the 76ers with 19 points, 3 rebounds and 2 steals. Rookie Lavoy Allen off the bench scored 12 points. Evan Turner finished with a double-double 11 points and 10 rebounds with 3 assists. Spencer Hawes and Jrue Holiday each scored 10 points.

2012 NBA Playoffs Bracket (as of 16:52 PHT)

WESTERN CONFERENCE

#1 Spurs vs #5 Clippers

SAN ANTONIO SPURS WINS SERIES 4-0

#1 Spurs vs #2 Thunder

Game 1: May 28, 8:30 am PHT Channel TBD

#2 Thunder vs #3 Lakers
OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER WINS SERIES 4-1

EASTERN CONFERENCE

#4 Celtics vs #8 76ers (Celtics lead series 3-2)
Game 6: May 24, 8:00 am PHT Channel TBD

#2 Heat vs #3 Pacers (Series tied 2-2)
Game 5: May 23, 8:00 am PHT on NBA Premium TV

K-Smoove