Westbrook's Second Straight Triple-Double Paces Thunder In 123-96 Win Over Lakers

Russell Westbrook recorded his second triple-double in as many games as the Thunder (3-0) picked up its first blowout win of the season with a 113-96 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers (1-2). 

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Westbrook totaled 33 points, 16 assists and 12 rebounds in the win, and becomes the first player since Magic Johnson (1982-82) to record a triple-double in two of the first three games to start the year.

Just like in OKC’s thrilling win over the Suns on Friday, the Thunder fell into a hole early in the game. The Lakers jolted out to an early 16-8 lead, but Westbrook took ahold of the game’s tempo as OKC came to life.

Westbrook upped the pace of the game by pushing the ball in transition, finding one teammate after another for easy buckets and the Thunder quickly took the lead.  

A Westbrook-fueled run is always a good thing, but productive offense from the second unit while OKC’s star point guard rests is even better. Enes Kanter came off the bench and put on a clinic in the post, as the Thunder closed out the first quarter on a 24-to-8 run and continued the solid play in the second frame.

The Thunder build up a 58-46 lead by intermission, and led by double digits throughout most of the second half until an 8-0 fourth quarter run by the Lakers cut OKC’s lead to 95-91 with 4:43 left in the game.

Clearly the Lakers were within striking distance, but Westbrook made sure that was as close as they’d get.

Steven Adams hit a seven-footer to get the Thunder back on track, then Westbrook slammed home a fast break dunk to put OKC up eight. It was a clutch run by OKC, but the most defining play came when Adams set a pick for Westbrook before rolling to the basket and finishing off the alley oop off a beautiful dish from his point guard.

Westbrook added a three-pointer from the top of the key then drained a dagger jumper from the left elbow as OKC ripped off a 13-0 run.

Oladipo scored at least 20 points for the second straight game while Adams added 14 points and 12 rebounds. Kanter came off the bench to score 16 points to go with his six boards.

The Thunder totaled 29 assists on Sunday night compared to only 13 in Friday night's win over the Suns. 

Julius Randle and DeAngelo Russell both led the Lakers in scoring with 20 points apiece while Nick Young added 16 points and two steals.

The Thunder will be back in action on Wednesday night when they take on the Clippers inside of the Staples Center.