NBA Recap: Westbrook Dishes Out Career-High 17 Assists To Lead Thunder Past Warriors, 127-115

Matched-up against arguably the best point guard in the National Basketball Association (NBA) in Stephen Curry, Russell Westbrook proved that he’s elite too scoring 17 points, tying a career-best 15 rebounds and establishing a career-high 17 assists for a triple-double in leading the Oklahoma City Thunder past the Golden State Warriors, 127-115.

This was a match-up against the West’s top team against the conference’s 10th ranked team but it could very well be a first round preview of the Western Conference Playoffs come April. The Warriors dropped to 31-6 with the loss while the Thunder creeped back in nearer to the 0.500 mark at 19-20, still out of the playoff picture but poised to enter it anytime soon if they continue beating the best teams in the league.

Criticised for his volume shooting and preference to get his points than involve his teammates, Westbrook was set up Kevin Durant (36 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists) and Serge Ibaka (27 points and 8 rebounds) for easy shots all night long while helping clamp down on Curry, who had 19 markers but missed 7 of 13 shots. The Warriors sniper also had 6 turnovers.

Klay Thompson had 32 points on 12-of-22 field goals for the Warriors, which had their eight-game winning streak snapped. Oklahoma is just 2-3 in their last five games but this game proved that they can beat any team in the Western Conference. Newest Thunder Dion Waiters, acquired from the Cleveland Cavaliers in a trade last week, added firepower off the bench with 21 points and 3 steals.

The Thunder are now tied for 9th place in the tough West but just 3 and 1/2 games off the Phoenix Suns for the eighth and final playoff spot in the conference.

Upcoming Schedule (Next 3 Games):
Golden State Warriors: at Houston Rockets, vs. Denver Nuggets, vs. Houston Rockets
Oklahoma City Thunder: at Orlando Magic, at Miami Heat, at Washington Wizards