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Houston Rockets hang on to defeat Oklahoma City Thunder, move on to Western Conference semis

Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) drives to the basket between Oklahoma City Thunder guard Dennis Schroder (17) and center Steven Adams (12) during the second quarter in game six of the first round of the 2020 NBA Playoffs at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. [USA TODAY Sports]

James Harden capped a miserable shooting performance with a timely defensive play, and the Houston Rockets held on for a 104-102 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 7 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series on Wednesday near Orlando.

Harden closed out on Thunder guard Luguentz Dort and recorded a blocked shot with 4.8 seconds left and Houston clinging to a one-point lead. Following a Robert Covington free throw, the Rockets blew up an inbounds play from the Thunder with 1.1 seconds left to clinch the series and set a date opposite the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference semifinals.

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