Russell Westbrook's 34 powers Thunder past Spurs
Russell Westbrook put up 34 points and recorded 11 assists to help the Oklahoma City Thunder defeat the San Antonio Spurs, 114-106. The Thunder shot lights out in this one, going 42-81 (51.9%) from the field, including 9-15 (60.0%) from three-point range. This is the seventh win for Oklahoma City (14-16) in its last 10 games.
Westbrook shot 14-28 and converted 6-8 from the free throw line. He tallied five steals and five rebounds as well. Other top contributors for Oklahoma City included Serge Ibaka with 21 points and nine rebounds, and Steven Adams with 16 points and 15 rebounds. On 6-12 shooting, including 3-8 from behind the arc, Matt Bonner scored 17 points off the bench for San Antonio in the loss. Tiago Splitter chipped in 14 points and seven rebounds and Manu Ginobili finished with 11 points and 13 assists.
The offense of Oklahoma City won the rebounding battle, as two elite units collided. They finished the contest with an OR% of 36.4%, and rank third in the NBA in that category on the season (28.0%). The defense of San Antonio collects rebounds at a rate of 77.7%, good for third in the league in DR%. Along with their eFG% of 57.4%, the Thunder connected at a rate of 60.0% from 3-point range. On the season, they are undefeated (2-0) when they record marks above 55% and 40% in those respective categories. Conversely, the Spurs are 1-1 when allowing their opponents to reach those percentages.
San Antonio (18-12) couldn't get consecutive victories after beating Los Angeles on Monday.
Coming up next, the Thunder battle the Charlotte Bobcats, who are 10-19 on the year. The Spurs meet the New Orleans Pelicans, currently 14-14 this season. The Spurs are 0-1 versus New Orleans this season.
