NEW ORLEANS – Russell Westbrook scored a team-high 42 points, including 11 consecutive in the final five minutes, and reserve guard Alex Abrines scored 18 points to lift the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 121-110 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night at the Smoothie King Center.
Westbrook, the NBA’s leading scorer, added 10 rebounds and seven assists and fell short of his 51 triple-double of the season. The Thunder, who had lost three of four games coming in, also got 14 points and 14 rebounds from center Enes Kanter.
The Pelicans were led by Anthony Davis, who scored 34 points and had 15 rebounds, and by Jrue Holiday with a season-high 23 points.
Tyreke Evans cut the Oklahoma City lead to 89-87 with a 3-pointer from the right wing, but the Thunder then went on an 11-0 spurt, fueled by reserve guard Alex Abrines’ nine points that included two 3-pointers. Abrines added another long-range jumper and Oklahoma City led 105-89 with 8:04 left. Abrines finished 5 of 10 from long range.
Grizzlies 98, Pistons 86
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Marc Gasol tied his career high with 38 points and Memphis ies snapped a three-game losing streak.
The veteran center made 14 of 17 shots from the field and 8 of 11 free throws. He added five rebounds and four assists. Gasol had a 38-point game against New Orleans last year.
JaMychal Green was the only other Grizzlies player to score in double figures with 10 points and nine rebounds. Grizzlies forward Chander Parsons returned after an 18-game absence with a bone bruise on his left knee. He scored two points in 15 minutes.
Jon Leuer had 18 points and six rebounds off the bench for the Pistons, who have dropped four straight. Reggie Jackson also scored 18 points and had seven assists. Jackson retreated to the locker room in the opening minutes after experiencing left knee soreness but returned later in the quarter. Andre Drummond had 13 points and 19 rebounds.
Timberwolves 92, Hawks 84
ATLANTA — Karl-Anthony Towns, taking advantage of the absence of Dwight Howard, had 17 points and 17 rebounds as Minnesota defeated Atlanta for its first consecutive victories this season.
Andrew Wiggins scored 19 points and Zach LaVine had 17 points for Minnesota as the Timberwolves followed a home victory on Monday against Phoenix.
Dennis Schroder had 21 points and seven assists as the Hawks lost for the sixth time in their past seven home games. Paul Millsap, who started at center with Howard sidelined by back tightness, had 18 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. Mike Muscala scored 16 points off the bench, hitting his first six shots.
Wizards 107, Bulls 97
CHICAGO — John Wall scored 23 points and Bradley Beal had 21, and Washington beat Chicago at the United Center.
The Wizards won for the sixth time in eight games and overcame an early 13-point deficit. Marcin Gortat also scored 14 points and had 11 rebounds for Washington, which also got 10 points off the bench from Marcus Thornton.
Jimmy Butler had 20 points and 11 rebounds to lead Chicago, which has lost four of its last five games. Dwyane Wade (19 points), Taj Gibson (17 points, 11 rebounds), Nikola Mirotic (11 points) and Doug McDermott (10 points) reached double figures for the Bulls.
Cavaliers 113, Bucks 102
CLEVELAND — Kyrie Irving scored 31 points and passed for a career-high 13 assists, and LeBron James had 29 points and nine rebounds to lead Cleveland to its second win over Milwaukee in 24 hours.
With Kevin Love again sidelined by a knee injury, James and Irving logged heavy minutes one night after James played 47 and Irving 45 in Tuesday’s victory at Milwaukee.
Tristan Thompson grabbed 15 rebounds on a night James and Irving combined for 60 points, 19 assists and 15 rebounds. It was the Cavs’ first appearance knowing J.R. Smith would be out an extended period of time. Smith fractured his right thumb in Tuesday’s victory at Milwaukee and will require surgery.
Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 28 points and Jabari Parker scored 27 for the Bucks.