OKC Pounds Utah Without Westbrook

The Thunder were without Russell Westbrook on Sunday night but it didn't matter against the hapless Jazz, as OKC cruised 95-73.

Sunday, November 24th 2013, 10:46 pm

By: News 9


No Russell Westbrook, no problem.

The Thunder announced early in the day that the team's dynamic point guard would sit out Sunday's contest for no other reason than to rest. And with Utah on the schedule, it was as safe a game as any to take a night off.

As it turned out, Oklahoma City probably could have sat a few more people, too.

OKC took the woeful Jazz behind the woodshed 95-73 and it wasn't nearly that close.

The Thunder left its fans standing longer than normal, needing three minutes to get on the board in the opening quarter on a Kevin Durant 3-pointer. But once KD tied the game at 3-all, OKC never trailed again and led by as many as 37 points in the third quarter.

Durant didn't have his best shooting night, going 3-of-9 from the floor, but he made up for it at the free-throw line on 12-of-13 shooting to score a game-high 19 points in 26 minutes. He also had nine rebounds.

But Durant didn't need to be great on Sunday evening and, obviously, Westbrook didn't even need to play to beat an abysmal Jazz team that has more losses (14) than Oklahoma City has played games (12).

The Thunder's role players took command of this one early and kept their foot on the gas for the majority of the contest.

Serge Ibaka continued his stellar play with 17 points, 11 points and three blocks, while Reggie Jackson turned in a solid 10 points and seven assists filling in for Westbrook in the starting lineup.

Jeremy Lamb and Perry Jones also turned in solid performances, coming off the bench to score 15 and 13 points, respectively.

The victory increased the Thunder's current franchise-record start to 6-0 at home, while the Jazz fell to a league-worst 0-9 on the road.

Overall, the Thunder (9-3) shot an impressive 50.7 percent from the floor and his 18-of-22 free throws. OKC also outrebounded Utah 46-33 and held a 46-28 edge in points in the paint.

Oklahoma City's defense also impressed, limiting Utah to 39 percent shooting and 22 percent from 3, as no Jazz starter reached double figures.

Reserve centers Rudy Gobert and Enes Kanter tied for the team lead with 10 points.

With the win, OKC is now halfway through its six-game homestand and game No. 4 will be a big one, as the Thunder will see a complete 180 in terms of opponent quality on its home floor.

After thumping the team with the NBA's worst record in Utah (1-14), Oklahoma City will host the team with the best record, as the 12-1 San Antonio Spurs come to Chesapeake Energy Arena on Wednesday for a 7 p.m. tip.

logo

Get The Daily Update!

Be among the first to get breaking news, weather, and general news updates from News 9 delivered right to your inbox!

More Like This

November 24th, 2013

March 22nd, 2024

March 14th, 2024

February 9th, 2024

Top Headlines

March 29th, 2024

March 29th, 2024

March 29th, 2024

March 29th, 2024