Parsons scores 27 points as Houston Rockets avoid elimination with 105-103 win over Thunder

Oklahoma City Thunder's Kevin Durant (35) shoots against the Houston Rockets during the second quarter of Game 4 in their first-round NBA basketball playoff series Monday, April 29, 2013, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) (The Associated Press)

Houston Rockets' James Harden (13) shoots as Oklahoma City Thunder's Serge Ibaka defends during the first quarter of Game 4 in their first-round NBA basketball playoff series Monday, April 29, 2013, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) (The Associated Press)

The Houston Rockets escaped elimination with a 105-103 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday night.

Chandler Parsons scored 27 points and Patrick Beverley added 16 points with point guard Jeremy Lin out with a bruised chest muscle. Houston avoided a four-game sweep in the best-of-seven series.

The Rockets led in the fourth quarter of each of the last two games only to end up losing. And it almost happened again Monday.

Kevin Durant scored five quick points to cut the Rockets' lead to two. James Harden missed two shots for Houston after that and the Thunder had a last chance.

Reggie Jackson missed a jump shot and Serge Ibaka grabbed the rebound, but missed a layup at the buzzer.

A stunned Ibaka fell to the court after the miss.

Durant scored 38 points in Oklahoma City's second game without injured All-Star guard Russell Westbrook.