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For Westbrook, it was just another day at work as he compiled
his fourth consecutive triple-double and his 38th of the season,
leaving him three shy of the NBA record held by NBA legend Oscar
Robertson. The 57 points were one short of his career high.
"You just got to want it more than other people," Westbrook
said. "I don't think about getting tired. I just keep going and
going. I don't think about it. I just think about making the
next play, making winning basketball plays. I'm blessed."
The Thunder (43-31) have won eight of the last 10 games.
Westbrook scored 16 points in the fourth quarter Monday when
Oklahoma City erased a 13-point deficit in the final 3:31 to win
in Dallas. He scored 19 points in the final six minutes of
regulation to force overtime Wednesday when the Thunder erased
another 13-point fourth quarter deficit.
"Russell was spectacular coming down the stretch and the way he
closed the game," Thunder coach Billy Donovan said. "Overall,
it's just incredible what he's doing now. He played an
exceptional second half again. He just has an incredible
competitive spirit."
"That (Westbrook's performance) was one of the best," Magic
coach Frank Vogel said. "It's tough to rank those over the
years, but it's right up there with the best. Give him credit."
Westbrook hit 21 of 40 shots and six of 15 3-pointers. He made
nine of 11 free throws.
He led a late rally by scoring 19 points in the final six
minutes of regulation, hitting a 3-pointer with seven seconds
remaining to send the game into overtime.
Westbrook scored seven points in overtime.
Until Westbrook's 3-pointer, the Magic led the entire second
half.
The Magic led by as many as 21 points in third quarter.
"I was just looking at the scoreboard, taking it one possession
at a time," Westbrook said. "I don't take this game for granted.
I just try to come out each and every night and compete at a
high level."
(Editing by Andrew Both)
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