Oklahoma City Thunder overcome tense start to down visiting New York Knicks 116-105

Oklahoma City Thunder overcome tense start to down visiting New York Knicks 116-105

Oklahoma City Thunder overcome tense start to down visiting New York Knicks 116-105
NBA

Oklahoma City Thunder overcome tense start to down visiting New York Knicks 116-105

Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to Google Plus

Behind Westbrook’s 27th triple-double of the season, OKC enters All-Star Weekend on a winning note

An exultant Russell Westbrook hammered his chest after delivering a zealous one-handed slam to punctuate the Oklahoma City Thunder's 116-105 victory over the visiting New York Knicks.

Though Westbrook netted triple-double #27 of his season, (38 points, 14 rebs, 12 ast) Oklahoma City’s fate appeared bleak until a 30-13 second-quarter run revived the apprehensive squad’s competitive mettle.

Amid a cracked beginning from its stumbling franchise, much of Thunder Nation felt as though their team’s recent misfortune had carried into the evening’s pre-All Star break finale.

Behind Carmelo Anthony’s 19-point opening frame, New York reduced Chesapeake Energy Arena to a stilled hush.

However, bounding with conviction through the remaining three quarters, gritty OKC outscored New York 89-66 to steal an important come-from-behind victory.

When needed most, the Thunder delivered from deep, making 12-of-23 three-point attempts. OKC also took the Knicks to task on the glass (48-39) and in transition (25-8).

Meanwhile, Victor Oladipo (21 points), Andre Roberson (10), and Steven Adams (11) provided a solid base for Westbrook’s heroics to ensure victory. The Thunder bench, led by Jerami Grant (13) contributed heavily as well by outscoring New York’s reserves 30-15.

Carmelo Anthony (30 points) led his Knicks (23-34) in scoring. Also, Derrick Rose (25) and Courtney Lee (16) performed well in New York’s fourth loss in five contests.

Ultimately though, Oklahoma City’s decisive second-quarter run delivered a staunch body blow from which the Knicks were unable to recover.

With the win, Oklahoma City improves to 32-25 at the All-Star break.