The Oklahoma City star had 21 points and 7 assists in his first game back from knee surgery, as the Thunder beat the Suns 103-96.
Westbrook up and down in return to lineup

Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY SportsRight off the bat, Westbrook made it a point to show that he was healthy, splitting a pick-and-roll and exploding to the rim on the drive. Westbrook didn’t finish the bucket, but he drew the foul and split the free throws. Later in the game, he did this:
Westbrook was key in the Thunder’s 36-point fourth quarter, although it wasn’t all because of his scoring. Westbrook, who often gets criticized for not passing enough, tallied three assists in the final frame to help Oklahoma City build up a lead. He also knocked down four free throws to salt the game away.
Read Article >Westbrook returns, Love leads Wolves to win at MSG

Howard Smith-USA TODAY SportsWestbrook had an up-and-down return, scoring 21 points and handing out seven assists while shooting 5-of-16 and turning the ball over four times. However, while the point guard was certainly a bit rusty, he displayed some of his explosive athleticism:
Westbrook also came up big in the clutch, scoring eight points and dishing out three assists in the fourth quarter.
Read Article >Love leads Wolves past Knicks

Raj Mehta-USA TODAY SportsThe Knicks only managed two points the rest of the way.
New York is 1-2 on the young year.
Read Article >Kevin Love high-fives Spike Lee


Kevin Love dominated the Knicks on Sunday night, and got the ultimate validation for his performance. After draining a ridiculously tough bank shot to increase the Timberwolves’ lead, Love reached his hand out and got dapped by none other than the most recognizable Knicks fan around, Spike Lee.
Read Article >Bargnani reverse dunk fail

Jonathan DanielStick to shooting jumpers, Bargs. Although those have been a struggle as well.
• Sunday Shootaround: Boston needed Russell’s statue
Read Article >Victor Oladipo spins, 360 dunks

Sam GreenwoodThe Orlando Magic, expected to be in the running for the No. 1 overall pick, are dominating the Brooklyn Nets, expected to be in the running for the top seed in the Eastern Conference.
A lot of it has to do with Victor Oladipo, who leads all scorers with 19 points to go along with six rebounds and four assists. But that doesn’t do justice to his highlights:
Read Article >Westbrook returns!

Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY SportsSuns’ Goran Dragic will play vs. Thunder

Christian PetersenDragic is averaging 15.5 points and seven assists per game through two outings. He scored 26 points and added nine assists in the season opener for the 2-0 Suns.
• Sunday Shootaround: Boston needed Russell’s statue
Read Article >Brandon Jennings to debut for Pistons vs. Celtics

Tim Fuller-USA TODAY SportsWith Stuckey putting in 19 points in his season debut Friday, it’s also a wonder if he could push Billups to start at shooting guard.
• Sunday Shootaround: Boston needed Russell’s statue
Read Article >Viewing guide: Thunder’s Russell Westbrook returns

Russ Isabella-USA TODAY SportsWestbrook will play against Suns

Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY SportsOklahoma City has split their first two games without Westbrook. Reggie Jackson has started in his place, averaging 11 points and 3.5 assists per game, but teams have continued to focus their defense around Kevin Durant. Durant has averaged 19.5 field goal attempts, shouldering the load on offense without Westbrook.
Westbrook averaged 23.2 points and 7.4 assists per game through the 2012-2013 regular season.
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