Westbrook triple-double leads Thunder past Clippers
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook, right, shoots as Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Jan. 4, 2018, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
LOS ANGELES — Russell Westbrook had his 13th triple-double of the season, Paul George scored 31 points and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Clippers 127-117 on Thursday night to snap Los Angeles’ four-game winning streak.
Westbrook finished with 29 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists in his latest homecoming. Carmelo Anthony added 22 points for the Thunder.
DeAndre Jordan led the Clippers with a season-high 26 points and 17 rebounds. Lou Williams had 26 points and Blake Griffin scored 24.
The Thunder have won eight of 10. They beat the Lakers on Wednesday night and completed a back-to-back sweep in Los Angeles.
The Clippers led 97-94 at the end of the third quarter, but the Thunder — led primarily by their second unit — opened the fourth with a 12-0 run.
Los Angeles missed its first seven shots to begin the final period.
The Clippers played the second half without guard Milos Teodosic after he had a flare-up of his left plantar fasciitis. He previously missed 22 games with the injury.
TIP-INS
Thunder: After scoring 24 points in his first career start Wednesday, rookie G Terrance Ferguson was back in the lineup. Oklahoma City coach Billy Donovan said he had little concern Ferguson would suddenly grow cocky. “It’s not really who he is,” Donovan said. “But I think this is a great opportunity from the standpoint of being able to put behind you (Wednesday) and focus on what’s in front of you today.” . G Alex Abrines missed his second consecutive game with a sore groin. Said Donovan: “We don’t feel like it’s anything too severe.”
Clippers: G Austin Rivers, originally diagnosed with a strained Achilles and expected back quickly, got a second opinion and now has been diagnosed with a bruised heel. The team called it posterior right ankle impingement. “It’s not the best news, obviously,” said coach Doc Rivers, Austin’s father. “He’ll be evaluated in two weeks, which doesn’t sound great right now. I think we’ll find out a lot more in a couple weeks.” Austin Rivers had started every game he played since the third game of the season.
UP NEXT
Thunder: Complete their three-game road trip Sunday in Phoenix.
Clippers: Host the Golden State Warriors on Saturday.
