Westbrook stars as OKC pick up huge win on the road against rivals.
It was a busy night as there were 12 games on the NBA schedule on Saturday night, with the San Antonio Spurs taking on the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Behind 31 points and eight assists from Russell Westbrook, the visitors were able to secure a valuable 113-100 win over their Western Conference rivals as they were in efficient scoring mode throughout.
A 40-point second quarter ultimately made the difference, but the current leaders in the West (22-4) were able to hold off a second-half comeback from the Spurs in order to not only seal a confidence boosting win, but inflict another blow on their direct rivals.
“We got the best record in the league; I believe we’re the best team in the league regardless of who says this and who says that,” Westbrook said, according to ESPN.
“You have to go out and play. You can predict anything, but you have to play the game.”
Tony Parker had 23 points and eight assists in response, but Kawhi Leonard’s absence was perhaps a significant factor at both ends of the floor although coach Gregg Popovich didn’t want to use it as an excuse for the loss in his post-game interview.
Elsewhere, there were losses for the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics against the Memphis Grizzlies and Washington Wizards respectively, while the Chicago Bulls secured a comprehensive win over the Cleveland Cavaliers to give their fans something to cheer about.
New recruit DJ Augustin scored 18 points as he looks to go some way in replacing Derrick Rose’s production, while the Bulls were also missing Luol Deng, Jimmy Butler and Kirk Hinrich.
Meanwhile, the Portland Trail Blazers got back to winning ways with a 110-107 triumph over the New Orleans Pelicans and moved their record to 23-5 for the season.
Damian Lillard had 29 points in another glittering display, while Stephen Curry was equally as instrumental as the Golden State Warriors secured a 102-83 win over the Los Angeles Lakers.
NBA Results:
Memphis Grizzlies 95-87 New York Knicks
Washington Wizards 106-99 Boston Celtics
Sacramento Kings 105-100 Orlando Magic
Utah Jazz 88-85 Charlotte Bobcats
Houston Rockets 114-97 Detroit Pistons
Cleveland Cavaliers 84-100 Chicago Bulls
Philadelphia 76ers 106-116 Milwaukee Bucks
Oklahoma City Thunder 113-100 San Antonio Spurs
Dallas Mavericks 108-123 Phoenix Suns
New Orleans Pelicans 107-110 Portland Trail Blazers
Los Angeles Lakers 83-102 Golden State Warriors
Denver Nuggets 91-112 Los Angeles Clippers
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