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 Durant scored 33 points on 11-of-18 shooting from the field and had
12 rebounds and three assists. Westbrook picked up his sixth
triple-double of the season with 26 points, 10 rebounds and 14
assists.
Center Enes Kanter came off the bench to contribute 22 points and 10
rebounds as Oklahoma City improved to 36-13.
Guard James Harden led the Rockets with 33 points, seven rebounds
and seven assists. Forward Corey Brewer added 17 points as Houston
dropped to 25-24.
With 6:17 left in the fourth quarter, Thunder forward Kyle Singler
completed a three-point play to give Oklahoma City a nine-point
advantage. Harden answered with his own three-point play to close
gap to 101-95.
Kanter began to take over for the Thunder in the paint. He scored
four quick points as Oklahoma City went up by 11. Durant then
drained a three-pointer from the top of the key to stretch the lead
to 112-98 with 3:25 left.
However, Rockets guard Patrick Beverly knocked down a three-pointer
to slash deficit to 11. Center Clint Capela hit one of two from the
line and Brewer came up with a fast-break dunk as Houston closed to
eight with 1:36 left.
Westbrook was fouled and missed both free throws. Harden made the
Thunder pay by hitting two of his own as the Rockets trailed 112-106
with 1:20 left.
[to top of second column] |
Thunder guard Dion Waiters scored, but Durant fouled Harden on a
three-point attempt at the other end. Harden made two of the three
foul shots and lead was back to six.
A layup by Kanter pushed the advantage to eight. Harden tried to
answer but dribbled away precious seconds before missing a jumper to
close out the game.
(Editing by John O'Brien)
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reserved.]
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