Thunder roll on with massive win

Source:Agencies-Global Times Published: 2013-2-28 23:33:01

 

Russell Westbrook (No.0) of the Oklahoma City Thunder goes to the basket against the New Orleans Hornets on Wednesday. Photo: CFP
Russell Westbrook (No.0) of the Oklahoma City Thunder goes to the basket against the New Orleans Hornets on Wednesday. Photo: CFP



Kevin Durant landed a triple-double as the Oklahoma City Thunder recorded a 119-74 blowout victory over the outclassed New Orleans Hornets on Wednesday.

The Thunder improved to 42-15 with the win, keeping their hold on the second best record in the National Basketball Association's Western Conference as they try to chase down the leading San Antonio Spurs, who lost 105-101 in overtime to Phoenix to drop to 45-14.

Russell Westbrook was the main destroyer for the Thunder with 29 points while Durant contributed 18 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists.

"I'm happy with the way we competed tonight," Thunder coach Scott Brooks told reporters.

"I thought our defensive effort was outstanding for 48 minutes, we passed the ball very well and our overall effort was good. We utilized Russell and KD in different areas of the floor."

Serge Ibaka also added 18 points for the home side while Ryan Anderson top scored for the Hornets with 14 points as New Orleans dropped to 20-39.

"You lose a game like that and you certainly don't feel good about it and yet it's part of our growth," Hornets  coach Monty Williams said.

"But, I thought our guys played younger than their age and they need to learn in situations like that."

In another game on Wednesday, Golden State guard Stephen Curry scored an NBA season-high 54 points but only earned praise and not a win as the New York Knicks prevailed 109-105 against the Warriors at Madison Square.

Curry's career-best mark saw him land 18 of 28 shots from the field, 11 of 13 from the three-point arc and all seven free throw attempts.

"I felt good all night," Curry told reporters.

"I obviously played the whole game so I was trying to keep my legs underneath me on the offensive end and stick to the game plan on the defensive end."

Curry also added six rebounds and seven assists on a hot night but the Warriors dropped to 33-25 as Carmelo Anthony notched up 35 points to move the Knicks to 34-20.

"Beautiful to watch," Knicks coach Mike Woodson said of Curry's night.

"We closed out. We made the defensive stops that we had to make coming down the stretch.

"But boy, you got to tip your hat. Curry's pretty good tonight."

The Warriors were without the suspended David Lee, leaving Carl Landry as the next best scorer with just 15 points.

Agencies - Global Times

 



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