OKLAHOMA CITY — Guard Russell Westbrook posted 25 points, 11 rebounds and 14 assists, leading Oklahoma City Thunder to a 104-97 victory over the Orlando Magic on Monday at the Chesapeake Energy Arena.
Westbrook recorded his second triple-double of the season.
The Thunder (24-24) ended a two-game losing streak despite playing without forward Kevin Durant, who is sidelined due to a sprained left big toe. Oklahoma City remained within striking distance of the Phoenix Suns in the race for the Western Conference’s final playoff spot.
Orlando (15-36) lost its ninth consecutive game.
With 3:06 left in the game, Orlando forward Channing Frye drained a 3-pointer to cut the Thunder’s lead to 100-86. After an Oklahoma City turnover, Magic guard Victor Oladipo hit a pair of free throws and the advantage was down to 12.
Westbrook responded with a midrange jumper before Orlando guard Willie Green drained back-to-back 3-pointers, and the Magic trailed 102-94 with 1:10 left.
Once again, Westbrook had the answer. With Green guarding him at the top of the key, he dribbled a few times before pulling up and hitting a 15-foot jump shot with 54 seconds to go.
That was all the Thunder needed to lose out the Magic.
Oladipo led the Magic with 22 points on 7-for-14 shooting. Orlando center Nikola Vucevic scored 20 points, and forward Tobias Harris added 18.
Guard Dion Waiters scored 24 in his first start for the Thunder. Forward Serge Ibaka added 16 points, eight rebounds and three blocked shots.
NOTES: Oklahoma City F Kevin Durant (toe) sat out for the third time in the past two weeks. Durant has missed 26 games this season with a variety of injuries. “He had treatment yesterday and today. Still not responding the way we would like,” coach Scott Brooks said. … Entering Monday, Orlando allowed at least 100 points in 12 consecutive games. “Our biggest culprit defensively has been keeping the basketball in front of us,” Magic coach Jacque Vaughn said. “The ability to guard guys is one of the toughest things to do in this league.” … After being on the road for 10 games in January, Oklahoma City will be at home for seven games in February. … Magic F Victor Oladipo was back in the lineup after sitting out one game because of a sore right Achilles.