Westbrook’s 3-pointer lifts Thunder past Hawks
Atlanta Hawks’ Malcolm Delaney, left, tries to get the ball away from Oklahoma City Thunder’s Russell Westbrook, right, in the third quarter of an NBA basketball game. AP
OKLAHOMA CITY — Russell Westbrook hit a 3-pointer with 1.7 seconds left to cap a 30-point, 15-assist outing, and the Oklahoma City Thunder held off the Atlanta Hawks 120-117 on Friday (Saturday Manila time).
Carmelo Anthony added 24 points on 7-of-12 3-point shooting and Paul George scored 17 for the Thunder, who have won five of their last six after an 11-14 start.
Atlanta, in last place in the Southeast Division, made Oklahoma City work for this one, rallying after falling behind by 16 points in the first half.
The Hawks led 92-88 with 8:49 left after a basket by Kent Bazemore. Westbrook re-entered the game and led the Thunder on a 16-5 run. Anthony’s 3-pointer with 5:34 left gave Oklahoma City a 104-97 lead.
The Hawks came back again, eventually tying the game at 117 on two free throws by Ersan Ilyasova with 11.1 seconds left. After a timeout, George inbounded to Westbrook, who made the final shot over Atlanta’s Taurean Prince. Without a timeout, the Hawks could manage only a desperation heave at the buzzer.
Marco Belinelli scored 30 points to lead Atlanta, which is 2-7 against Western Conference teams this season. Ilyasova added 22 points for the Hawks, who went 15 of 32 from 3-point range.
The Thunder dominated the second quarter. They broke a 28-28 tie with a 14-2 run to start the quarter, with Raymond Felton and George each hitting two 3-pointers. After the Hawks pulled within 51-43, Oklahoma City went on a 13-5 run and led 64-50 at halftime.
Atlanta scored 11 straight points to cut the Thunder lead to 74-70 midway through the third quarter.
Oklahoma City made only 19 of 31 free throws.
