Toronto Raptors vs. Oklahoma City Thunder: Live Score, Highlights and Reaction
Russell Westbrook posted his fifth triple-double in six games as the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Toronto Raptors at home, Sunday night, 108-104.
The two teams traded leads throughout the night, with first-half back-and-forth action followed by alternating big runs from either side. In the end, though, the Thunder pulled through thanks to big nights from Westbrook, Serge Ibaka and Enes Kanter.
Westbrook's triple-double consisted of 30 points (9-of-21 FG), 17 assists (tying a career-high) and 11 rebounds. He also committed nine turnovers.
Kanter, who has been an absolute force for Oklahoma City since he was acquired at the deadline, got the starting nod despite the return of Steven Adams. He posted 21 points, 12 boards and four assists in 28 minutes.
Ibaka added 21 points of his own, scoring the bulk of them in the second half as he helped Westbrook seal the OKC win. He also notched five blocks.
Terrence Ross and DeMar DeRozan carried Toronto, with Ross scoring 20 points. He caught fire from deep early, but disappeared down the stretch.
As for DeRozan, he went silent in the fourth quarter until the closing two minutes in which he scored eight-straight points, singlehandedly challenging the Thunder's lead in the closing seconds. He finished with 24 points and nine assists.
Kyle Lowry scored just 14 on 5-of-15 shooting in his second game back from injury.
As a whole, Toronto has now lost eight of its last nine and is in need of a serious turnaround to avoid a complete collapse as the postseason comes into view.
Meanwhile, as the Thunder await the return of Kevin Durant, Westbrook has them treading water as they hold onto a one-game lead over the New Orleans Pelicans for the West's final playoff seed.
