Thunder improve to 9-13 to close in on playoff spots…
With LeBron James sitting out, the Oklahoma City Thunder were able to take charge as Russell Westbrook led the way against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Westbrook scored 26 points on 12-for-24 shooting along with eight assists and seven rebounds while Kevin Durant added 19 points as the Thunder have now won six of seven after a 3-12 start to the season.
Cleveland were left short-handed after James sat out with knee soreness and ultimately it was a big loss as they saw their eight-game winning streak snapped with Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love who finished with 20 and 18 points respectively.
The Cavs were also given another injury scare in the first half when Irving clashed knees with Westbrook on a contested shot. The 23-year-old hit the floor and writhed around in pain before getting up and although he admitted after the game that the knee was a little stiff, he expects to play Friday night.
In the only other game of the night, the Houston Rockets needed overtime to put the Sacramento Kings away and they needed another big night from James Harden.
Harden ended the game with 44 points, four rebounds and eight assists to lift the Rockets to the win, while Darren Collison had 24 points, three rebounds and seven assists to lead the Kings.
Houston were still without Dwight Howard who continues to sit out with knee soreness, but he is expected to return to action against the Denver Nuggets on Saturday night.
NBA Results
Cleveland Cavaliers 94-103 Oklahoma City Thunder
Houston Rockets 113-109 Sacramento Kings
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