Thunder top Spurs; Westbrook matches Wilt
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[March 10, 2017]
OKLAHOMA CITY -- The San Antonio
Spurs came into Thursday night as one of the hottest teams in the
league. Riding a nine-game winning streak, they had crept to within
a game and a half of the best record in the NBA.
However, waiting on the Spurs in Oklahoma City was a squad thirsty
for a victory. With their own losing streak in tow, the Thunder
needed to stop the losing momentum they had acquired.
That was enough incentive for Oklahoma City. Led by Russell
Westbrook's 31st triple-double of the season, they pulled out a
102-92 victory over San Antonio at the Chesapeake Energy Arena.
"I thought we did a good job, especially defensively," Thunder guard
Westbrook said. "Making an impact on the ball for 48 minutes, it was
good. It means that were on the right track. Obviously throughout
the season there are times you go through adversity. The strongest
teams stick together through adversity. Tonight was one of those
nights when we stuck together."
Westbrook scored 23 points to go along with 13 assists and 13
rebounds. He is tied with Wilt Chamberlain for the second-most
triple-doubles in a season. It was also his first triple-double
against the Spurs.
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"He says he plays every game like it's the last game of his career,"
Thunder coach Billy Donovan said. "I really, really admire that and
respect that. Because tomorrow is not promised. He is just focused
on right now. What do I have to do right now to help the team right
now in this moment. "
Oklahoma City's Victor Oladipo scored 20 points on 8-of-14 shooting
in his second game back since missing six with back spasms. Enes
Kanter came off the bench to score 14 points and grab 10 rebounds as
the Thunder (36-29) ended a four-game losing streak.
Kawhi Leonard finished with 19 points on 6-of-15 shooting for San
Antonio. However, he was held to two rebounds, two assists and sat
out the entire fourth quarter after being hit in the mouth area. No
word on if he will play Saturday against Golden State.
Pau Gasol scored 18 points while LaMarcus Aldridge posted 17 points
and six rebounds as the Spurs (50-14) saw their nine-game winning
streak come to an end.
"In general, (the Thunder) were the more aggressive team," Spurs
coach Gregg Popovich said. "Nine out of 10 times, that's what wins
basketball games. Besides making shots and not making mistakes. I
thought their aggressiveness took us out of a lot of stuff."
One game after it seemed Westbrook had done all the scoring for
Oklahoma City, Steven Adams made sure his presence was felt on the
offensive end to start the night. He made 3 of 5 shots as the
Thunder took a 29-28 lead after one quarter.
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Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) warms up prior to action against
the San Antonio Spurs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit:
Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
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The rest of the Thunder roster got involved as the
half went on. Eight players scored at least four points in the first
half. That included Doug McDermott, who came off the bench to knock
in a quick seven.
Along with Leonard, Gasol carried the Spurs in the second half. They
were the only San Antonio players to reach double figures in
scoring. Gasol hit both his 3-point attempts in the first half to
keep his average just above 50 percent.
The Thunder held a 56-49 advantage at halftime.
The game took on a feisty tone in the third quarter. A shoving match
broke out between Adams and Danny Green, who were hit with double
technical fouls.
The pushing and talking continued the rest of the game, but it was
the Thunder who seemed to feed of it as they never let the Spurs get
into the contest.
Popovich said the loss of his MVP candidate had nothing to do with
the outcome of the game.
"They'd beat us anyways," Popovich said. "If Kawhi had played in the
fourth and they continued to do what they were doing and we
continued to do what we were doing, they would have won anyways."
NOTES: After resting Kawhi Leonard and LaMarcus Aldridge Wednesday
night, San Antonio rested Tony Parker, Manu Ginobli and Kyle
Anderson on Thursday in Oklahoma City. Guard Dejounte Murray started
in place of Parker. ... F Taj Gibson got his first start with
Oklahoma City since he was traded to the Thunder. ... Spurs F Kawhi
Leonard was nowhere to be seen on the bench in the fourth quarter.
No word was given by the Spurs on why he was taken back to the
locker room. [© 2017 Thomson Reuters. All
rights reserved.]
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