Durant goes for 42 points in OKC win over Houston.
There were seven games on the NBA schedule on Tuesday night, with the Oklahoma City Thunder and Golden State Warriors picking up important wins.
Russell Westbrook had 24 points, seven assists and four steals in the Thunder’s win over the Houston Rockets, as the explosive point guard came face-to-face with Patrick Beverley for the first time since his rival caused the injury which cost him the end of last season and about half of this.
The Thunder star wouldn’t admit that he wanted payback prior to the game, but he undoubtedly showed it with his play that he had a point to prove as things also got physical during the course of the game.
“Two great teams that want to win: It’s that simple,” said James Harden. “When you get that anytime in the NBA, things are going to get physical.”
Kevin Durant praised his teammate for giving them the edge as Houston’s plan to rile their opponents seemingly backfired, with the MVP candidate ending the game with 42 points.
Elsewhere, there was a significant win for the Golden State Warriors as they overcame the Dallas Mavericks with both teams looking to climb up the Western Conference standings as we close in on the end of the regular season.
Golden State (41-24) had 15 points and 10 rebounds from center Andrew Bogut, while Monta Ellis responded for the visitors with 15 points of his own.
However, Andre Iguodala provided the highlight of the night with his coast-to-coast action after blocking on one end before hammering home the dunk after a Stephen Curry missed three.
Meanwhile, the San Antonio Spurs made it seven consecutive wins after their victory against the Chicago Bulls which in turn keeps them a half-a-game above the Thunder in the race for top seeding in the West.
Over in the race in the East, the Indiana Pacers ended a four-game losing streak with a home win over the Boston Celtics, which now moves them a game-and-a-half above the Miami Heat.
NBA Results:
Boston Celtics 83-94 Indiana Pacers
Sacramento Kings 89-99 Detroit Pistons
San Antonio Spurs 104-96 Chicago Bulls
Portland Trail Blazers 99-109 Memphis Grizzlies
Milwaukee Bucks 101-112 Minnesota Timberwolves
Houston Rockets 98-106 Oklahoma City Thunder
Dallas Mavericks 85-108 Golden State Warriors
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