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 The death of Ingrid Williams, wife of Thunder assistant coach Monty
Williams affected both franchises. Monty Williams was the Pelicans
head coach before being fired last season and had been like a second
mother to most of the current players.
However, Pelicans center Anthony Davis refused to use the tragedy as
an excuse after the Thunder rolled to a 121-95 victory over New
Orleans at the Chesapeake Energy Arena.
"It was tough, but you have to still go out there and compete,"
Davis said. "That's what we tried to do tonight."
Thunder guard Russell Westbrook was one rebound shy of his ninth
triple double of the season as he collected 23 points, 10 assists
and nine boards.
Forward Kevin Durant scored 23 points on 10 of 17 shooting from the
field to go along with six assists. Forward Serge Ibaka added 18
points as the Thunder improved to 40-14.
Oklahoma City heads into the All-star break as one of three teams in
the Western Conference with at least 40 wins. According to Elias
Sports, that is the first time in NBA history for that to happen in
any conference.
"I think we are great, man," Westbrook said. "Forty wins, I like
where we are. Looking to come back in the second half of the season
and turn it up a notch."
Davis scored 23 points to lead the Pelicans, but was limited to
three rebounds and no blocked shots. Guard Jrue Holiday came off the
bench to post 23 points and six assists as the Pelicans fell to
20-33.
"I thought we were hanging in," Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry said.
"This is a real talented team. I just thought we had too many break
downs defensively."
The first time the Pelicans and Thunder faced-off earlier in the
season, Davis was injured and Oklahoma City was able to take
advantage of the all-star's absence.
Davis was back in the lineup this time and made his presence felt
from the opening tip. Not only was he able to score, but he opened
up lanes for his teammates to get off shots.
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It was the Thunder bench who helped open up a double-digit lead in
the second quarter, guard Anthony Morrow and forward Kyle Singler
each knocked down perimeter shots when the Pelicans collapsed on
Westbrook, who was attacking the basket.
Oklahoma City took a 62-53 advantage into halftime.
Even though Davis had a strong game scoring, the Thunder were able
to contain him on the backboards. As a team, the Pelicans were
outrebounded 50-31.
Oklahoma City led 95-74 entering the fourth quarter, and rested its
starters in the final period.
"Defensively, I thought we turned our defense up in the second half,
Westbrook said. "Did a great job of playing together."
While the Thunder rode into the All-star break on top of their game,
Davis said his team needs to do some hard soul searching during the
time off.
"We just have to decide what type of team we want to be," Davis
said. "What can we bring to the table besides scoring. Make sure
that we trust in each other and are playing for each other. Whether
you can make the playoffs or not, you want to establish a culture
for the upcoming years."
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