NBA Sunday: Thunder win in Westbrook’s return

Right 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.

Westbrook 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.

The Knicks only managed two points the rest of the way.

New York is 1-2 on the young year.

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.

Stick to shooting jumpers, Bargs. Although those have been a struggle as well.

• Sunday Shootaround: Boston needed Russell’s statue

The 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:

(video via @MaxaMillion711 via @cjzero)

Dragic 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

With 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

Here’s a look at that matchup and the other five games on Sunday’s schedule.

6 p.m. ET

Oklahoma 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.