Westbrook steers Thunder to end Raptors’ win streak

NEW YORK:

Russell Westbrook capped his 23rd triple-double of 37 points, 14 assists and 13 rebounds by hitting the tie-breaking lay-up with 39.7 seconds remaining as Oklahoma City Thunder snapped hosts Toronto Raptors’ team-record, 11-game winning streak with a hotly contested 132125 victory.

Westbrook posted his fifth straight triple-double. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, he and Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson are the only players with three instances of five straight games with a triple-double.

Steven Adams had 25 points while Paul George added 22 points as the Thunder won their sixth consecutive game.

The game featured 49 fouls and 57 free throws and in the final minutes, Toronto guard DeMar DeRozan (24 points) was ejected along with Raptors coach Dwane Casey and former Thunder forward Serge Ibaka.

Portland rolled at Los Angeles to post their 13th consecutive win.

Damian Lillard scored 23 points and CJ McCollum added 21 for the Trail Blazers.

Portland own their longest win streak since a 13-game skein early in the 2007-2008 season.

Lou Williams went for 30 points and Montrezl Harrell chipped in 24 off the bench for the Clippers, who have lost three in a row.

James Harden buried a three-pointer inside the final minute and visiting Houston completed a season sweep of Minnesota.

The Timberwolves roared back from a 25-point deficit, pulling within five points.

However, Harden, who totalled 34 points and 12 assists, helped the Rockets hang on.

Karl-Anthony Towns paired 20 points with 18 rebounds for the Timberwolves, who have lost five of seven games. — Reuters