It was a two-man show in New Orleans as Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant combined to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a win over the Hornets, 97-92. The Thunder's outstanding young duo combined for 54 of Oklahoma City's 97 points on the night.
8 P.M.: Durant, Thunder Take On Chris Paul’s Hornets In New Orleans
In a close game, it was free throws that doomed the Hornets. Locked in a tight battle, New Orleans missed a string of six consecutive free throws over the last five minutes. Even still, the Hornets got a look to tie with just 10 seconds left, but saw any hopes of a win disappear as Marco Belinelli’s three-pointer wouldn’t fall.
Westbrook did it all for the Thunder, scoring 29 points and dishing-out 10 rebounds. Durant added 25 points, five rebounds and six assists. Serge Ibaka, 18 points, and Jeff Green, 13 points, were the only other Oklahoma City players in double figures. The rest of the Thunder combined for just 12 points.
On the other side, it was a slow night for Chris Paul. The Hornets leader scored just 18 points while picking-up seven assists and five steals in the loss. David West’s 24 points and 13 points were both team-highs for the Hornets. Jarrett Jack added 13 points off the bench.
The win lifted the Thunder to a 15-8 record on the season. New Orleans lost for the seventh time in 10 games and fell to 14-7 on the year. Oklahoma City hosts the Cleveland Cavaliers while the Hornets travel to Philadelphia to face the Sixer on Sunday.
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