NBA play-offs: Harden's late block helps Rockets beat Thunder

James Harden (centre) scored a series-low 17 points, but made a decisive block from Luguentz Dort (left) at the other end

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A late defensive play by James Harden helped the Houston Rockets beat the Oklahoma City Thunder and set up a Western Conference semi-final against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Harden blocked a three-point attempt by Thunder's Luguentz Dort with 4.8 seconds left to preserve the Rockets' one-point lead in the series decider.

A Robert Covington free throw with 1.1 seconds left then sealed a 104-102 win.

Game one of the best-of-seven semi-final takes place on Friday.

Meanwhile, in the Eastern Conference, the Miami Heat beat Milwaukee Bucks 116-114 to go 2-0 up in their semi-final series.

The Bucks, who came into the play-offs with the best regular season record, levelled the game with 4.3 seconds left when Khris Middleton hit three free throws.

However, Heat forward Jimmy Butler was fouled attempting a potential game-winner on the buzzer, allowing him the chance to score two free throws and secure the win.

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Houston Rocket

Los Angeles Lakers

NBA

Oklahoma City Thunder