OKLAHOMA CITY — Russell Westbrook scored 26 points to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 103-94 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday at the Chesapeake Energy Arena.
The Cavaliers (13-8) eight-game win streak came to an end as they had to play the entire night without forward LeBron James, who had a sore knee.
The Thunder improved to 9-13 and have now won four straight games. Since both Westbrook and forward Kevin Durant returned to the lineup from injury, the team has lost only one contest.
After trailing by 20 points, Cleveland cut the Thunder lead to 12 with 6:35 left in the fourth quarter.
The Thunder failed to score on the other end and guard Joe Harris streaked down the sideline and looked to have an open layup that would cut the lead to 10.
However, Durant flew in and blocked Harris’ shot into the third row. But guard Matthew Dellavedova drained a 3-pointer on the inbound play and the Cavs were down 91-82.
Center Kevin Love, guard Kyrie Irving and forward Tristan Thompson cut the lead to four with 2:00 on the clock.
But, Durant threw down a two-handed dunk to the Thunder back up by six. Durant then stole the ball from Irving before he drained a one-legged fade-away jumper with 1:20 left for the 99-91 lead.
Durant closed the night out with a driving layup. He scored the final eight points for Oklahoma City.
Westbrook also posted seven rebounds and eight assists. Durant ended the night with 19 points on 6-of-14 shooting. Guard Reggie Jackson added 13 points off the bench.
Irving paced Cleveland with 20 points and six assists. Love posted 18 points and 16 rebounds.
NOTES: After complaining of general soreness in his left knee, Cleveland F LeBron James was held out of the game. Coach David Blatt classified the ailment as “nothing major.” Forward Matthew Dellavedova started in James’ place. … Oklahoma City F Kevin Durant was asked if he has closed the gap on James as best player in the NBA. “I always feel like I’m the best,” Durant said. “I mean, that’s just me. Of course, the outside world, you guys (the media), have their opinions, which is cool, so I try not to worry about that.” … Thunder coach Scott Brooks said he doesn’t think about the 2012 NBA Final against James and the Miami Heat every day. But he said he does think of it often. … Seemingly in reference to the “I can’t breathe” T-shirts NBA players recently donned, Durant scribbled on the side of his shoe, “All Lives Matter. EPH 3:20.”