NBA: Thunder Get Even

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The NBA's best-of-7 Western Conference final is now a best-of-3 after the Thunder knotted the series in Oklahoma City.

Russell Westbrook poured in 40 points and Kevin Durant added 31 as the Thunder hammered San Antonio 105-92. Westbrook also provided 10 assists, five rebounds and five steals to help Oklahoma City stay unbeaten in two games since Serge Ibaka  returned to the lineup.

Durant shot 11-for-22 in his highest-scoring game of the series after he was held to a 22.7-point average in the first three contests. Ibaka added nine points and eight rebounds for the Thunder.

The Spurs shot just 40 percent and never recovered after the Thunder built a 58-43 halftime lead. Tony Parker and Boris Diaw were San Antonio's top scorers with just 14 points apiece. Westbrook managed to outscore the Spurs' entire starting five 40-39.

San Antonio will host Game 5 on Thursday.

Sterling says NBA's argument for his ouster is baseless

NEW YORK (AP) — Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling has responded to the NBA's attempt to oust him.

He says there is no basis for stripping him of his team because his racist statements were illegally recorded "during an inflamed lovers' quarrel in which he was clearly distraught."

Sterling says V. Stiviano recorded him without his knowledge and thus the recording was illegal under California law. He also said he could not have "willfully" damaged the league because he did not know it would be made public.

Meanwhile, the attorney for Shelly Sterling confirmed that Donald Sterling has given her written permission to sell the team. A person in contact with a potential bidder told The Associated Press that the Clippers are seeking binding bids before next Tuesday, the day NBA owners are scheduled to vote on whether to strip Sterling of the team.

George fined $25,000 for knocking refs

NEW YORK (AP) — The NBA fined Indiana Pacers forward Paul George $25,000 for his public criticism of the officiating in the Eastern Conference finals Game 4 loss to Miami.

NBA president of basketball operations Rod Thorn said George's comments came in the postgame news conference following the 102-90 loss to the Heat on Monday night.

Miami was 30 of 34 from the foul line in the game. Indiana was 11 of 17.

Joerger gets extended

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Grizzlies coach Dave Joerger has signed a contract extension to remain in Memphis. Joerger had interviewed with the Timberwolves twice in three days before deciding over the weekend to stay with the Grizzlies. Joerger went 50-32 and helped Memphis earn the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference during his first season on the job.

Williams has surgery on both ankles

NEW YORK (AP) — The Brooklyn Nets say Deron Williams should be ready for the start of training camp after undergoing surgery on both ankles.

The former All-Star has been plagued by ankle trouble for the past two seasons and missed 18 games in 2013-14, including 16 because of a sprained left ankle. He averaged 14.3 points and 6.1 assists.