Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook put on quite the show on Friday night as his triple-double sealed a win over the Atlanta Hawks.
Westbrook posted 36 points, 10 rebounds and 14 assists in a huge performance following the news that reigning league MVP Kevin Durant may not return this season.
Thunder GM Sam Presti revealed that the 26-year-old is out indefinitely with foot soreness, and so the responsibility will be on Westbrook’s shoulders to ensure that OKC make the playoffs.
Elsewhere, the Cleveland Cavaliers overcame the Indiana Pacers in a tight game at home, with LeBron James leading their charge with 29 points, seven rebounds and five assists.
It was all the more impressive considering James was expected to be ruled out with illness, and the win books the Cavs’ place in the post-season as the likes of Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love can now look forward to their first taste of playoff action.
The Chicago Bulls were also winners on Friday as Nikola Mirotic continued his hot streak with 29 points and 11 rebounds against the Toronto Raptors.
Joakim Noah was also highly influential as he had 10 rebounds, a career-high tied in 14 assists and eight points while Mike Dunleavy contributed 21 points in an all-round impressive performance from the Bulls considering that they are still without Derrick Rose and Jimmy Butler.
Over in the West, the Golden State Warriors made it 11 straight home wins with victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, as Harrison Barnes stepped up to score a team-high 22 points.
NBA Results
Portland Trail Blazers 104-111 Orlando Magic
New York Knicks 81-97 Philadelphia 76ers
Milwaukee Bucks 127-129 Brooklyn Nets 3OT
Indiana Pacers 92-95 Cleveland Cavaliers
Denver Nuggets 91-108 Miami Heat
Toronto Raptors 92-108 Chicago Bulls
Atlanta Hawks 115-123 Oklahoma City Thunder
Memphis Grizzlies 112-101 Dallas Mavericks
Boston Celtics 89-101 San Antonio Spurs
Charlotte Hornets 91-101 Sacramento Kings
New Orleans Pelicans 96-112 Golden State Warriors
Washington Wizards 99-113 Los Angeles Clippers
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