The Oklahoma City Thunder have lost four of their last five games and the latest defeat stings the most as they prepare to open a four-game road trip on Monday against the Sacramento Kings.
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What also was nice was how well the Thunder’s bench performed, delivering 64 points in a rare game of late for Oklahoma City that didn’t hinge on the final minutes. The Thunder had dropped four of five, including a heartbreaking overtime loss to Golden State on Saturday night. Oklahoma City was unable to put away the Warriors when it had the opportunities but point guard Russell Westbrook was encouraged by the defensive performance.
Enes Kanter made all 11 shots and had 23 points, and Dion Waiters was also highly efficient, making three 3-pointers and shooting 8 of 11 in scoring 22. “If we can give that defensive effort every night, that would be really great for our team”, Westbrook told reporters.ABOUT THE KINGS (24-33): The status of point guard Rajon Rondo (thumb) might not be known until close to game time after he missed Friday’s 117-107 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. Sacramento reserve forward Omri Casspi scored 16 on 7-for-10 shooting.NOTES: Kings G Rajon Rondo (right thumb tendinitis) and F Rudy Gay (right shoulder strain) underwent MRI exams that confirmed their injuries. Late in the game, Steven Adams went down at Cousins’ feet and the two big men got tangled up. Cousins and forward Quincy Acy each were called for one, and the Kings were called three times for an illegal defense after an initial warning in the opening quarter.
He trails only the Golden State Warriors’ Draymond Green (11) for the lead this season. It was completed by the midway point in the third quarter, running his total to 28 for his career.
Thunder: Westbrook had seven assists and six rebounds in the first quarter and almost had a triple-double by halftime…. Kings center DeMarcus Cousins finished with a game-high 35 points and added 12 rebounds despite playing much of the second half on a tender left foot. He returned after getting the ankle taped and scored 12 more points, but Kings coach George Karl pulled him with about four minutes left and the game decided.
Clippers 105, Nets 95: Jamal Crawford scored 26 points, and the Clippers beat the Nets to win their second in a row after alternating wins and losses in six games.
Bucks 128, Rockets 121: Giannis Antetokounmpo recorded his second career triple-double with 18 points, 17 rebounds and 11 assists, and the Bucks outlasted the Rockets.
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Celtics 100, Jazz 95: Jae Crowder had 22 points, and the Celtics extended their home win streak to 11.
