Westbrook’s 139th career TD powers Rockets to victory

Russell Westbrook surpassed Magic Johnson in career triple-doubles, and host Houston held on to beat short-handed New Orleans, 126-123, Saturday.

Westbrook notched 28 points, 10 rebounds and 13 assists for his 139th triple-double, moving past Johnson for second place in NBA history. His two free throws with 6.1 seconds left built the lead to three.

Brandon Ingram was exceptional for the Pelicans, who played without guard Jrue Holiday (knee). Ingram paired 35 points with 15 rebounds, both game-highs, and added five assists. He received support from Lonzo Ball (18 points, 10 assists) and JJ Redick (14 points).

Meanwhile, reserve guard Goran Dragic had a team-high 25 points – including six in overtime – and eight assists as the Miami Heat rallied and then survived the host Milwaukee Bucks, 131-126.

The Bucks sent the game to overtime on a putback by Giannis Antetokounmpo just a split-second before the regulation buzzer. Antetokounmpo had rebounded an air ball by Khris Middleton to tie the score 121-121.

Antetokounmpo, the NBA’s reigning MVP, fouled out with 2:31 left in overtime, finishing with 29 points, 17 rebounds, nine assists, three steals and two blocks. But he also committed eight turnovers, missed all five of his 3-point attempts and fouled out for his second straight game.

Earlier in the game, Milwaukee blew a 21-point third-quarter lead, as Miami seemingly took control. The Heat had a nine-point lead with 3:33 left in the fourth quarter.

NBA RESULTS: MIAMI 131, MILWAUKEE 126 (OT); PHILADELPHIA 117, DETROIT 111; ATLANTA 103, ORLANDO 99; BOSTON 118, NEW YORK 95; CLEVELAND 110, INDIANA 99; TORONTO 108, CHICAGO 84; HOUSTON 126, NEW ORLEANS 123; UTAH 113, SACRAMENTO 81; SAN ANTONIO 124, WASHINGTON 122; PHOENIX 130, LA CLIPPERS 122. – REUTERS