NBA: The Wizards keep the Thunder quiet in OKC as the Westbrook works his magic
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma - The Oklahoma City Thunder couldn’t roll over the Wizards on Friday night, as Washington battled hard and rolled themselves to their seventh-straight win.
Russell Westbrook (32) did it again, putting up his 174th career triple-double and his fourth-straight this season! In a happy return to his old home in Oklahoma City, he led the Wizards over the Thunder 129-109.
While the Wizards are still currently below the last playoff spot in the east, they’re definitely playing like they can make a push to sneak in. They’ve won their last seven games now, and with 13 to go until the end of the regular season, they can definitely end up playing more games after mid-May. Eight of those last 13 games are against teams at or below .500, despite Washington being below that mark themselves.
Friday’s game was a high-scoring affair. It was close for a while, and halftime came with the Wizards leading by only two, 70-68. It wasn’t until the fourth quarter when Washington pulled further away, putting up 29 points to OKC’s 19, to secure the big win.
Finishing the game, Westbrook scored 37 points, 11 assists, and 11 rebounds for his 28th triple-double of the season. Bradley Beal was just behind him in the game with 33 points, six rebounds, and three assists. Raul Neto also chipped in with 15 points and five assists.
Darius Bazley and Theo Maledon both scored 20 points for the Thunder, while Luguentz Dort dropped 18 points with eight rebounds.
On Sunday, the Wizards welcome the Cavs in DC, while on Monday, the Thunder travel to Philly to take on the 76ers.
Around the NBA
The Hawks turned down the Heat, winning 118-103. The Nets, still without Kevin Durant, handled the Celtics 109-104. And the Hornets outlasted the Cavaliers at home 108-102.
Down in Houston, the Clippers steal one with a 109-104 victory over the Rockets. The Warriors won big against the Nuggets 118-97. And the Grizzlies get away with one in Portland, beating the Blazers 130-128.
On Saturday, the Raptors are at Madison Square Garden to take on the Knicks, and the Lakers are in Dallas to play the Mavs.
Cover photo: IMAGO / ZUMA Wire