GAME 5 - Cleveland grabs series lead; Houston survives

Kyrie Irving scored 25 points to help the Cleveland Cavaliers hold off Chicago's rally in the 4th quarter for a 106-101 victory over the Bulls to take a 3-2 series lead in their Eastern Conference semifinal.

Filling in for Kevin Love, who is out for the season with a shoulder injury, Tristan Thompson contributed with 12 points & 10 rebounds in 38 minutes of play for the Cavaliers.

Cleveland could wrap up the series in Game 6 this Thursday night at 8 pm inside the United Center in Chicago.




James Harden recorded a triple-double with 26 points, 11 rebounds, & 10 assists and Dwight Howard added 20 points & 15 rebounds to help the Houston Rockets earn a 124-103 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 5 to stay alive in their Western Conference semifinal.

Harden's triple-double was Houston's first in the postseason since Steve Francis in 2004. Trevor Ariza scored 22 points for Houston and Corey Brewer contributed with 15 points.

Now with a 3-2 series lead, the Clippers return home to the Staples Center in Los Angeles to host Game 6 this Thursday night at 10:30 pm ET.