Russell shines, Thunder strike
Los Angeles, March 14: Russell Westbrook snared the 100th triple- double of his career on Tuesday as the Oklahoma City Thunder closed in on a playoff berth with a 119- 107 defeat of the Atlanta Hawks.
Westbrook finished with 32 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists to become only the fourth player in NBA history to record a century of triples.
The 29- year- old Thunder star joins Oscar Robertson ( 181), Magic Johnson ( 138) and Jason Kidd ( 107) as the latest member of the exclusive club of triple- double centurions.
Reigning NBA MVP Westbrook had already claimed Robertson's singleseason triple- double record last year, with 42.
Westbrook led the scoring on Tuesday, with Carmelo Anthony adding 21 points and Jerami Grant contributing 20 off the bench as the Thunder improved to 41- 29.
Oklahoma City are fourth in the Western Conference standings, two wins ahead of the fifth- placed New Orleans Pelicans.
Although not mathematically certain of a place in the postseason, only a major collapse is likely to deny the Thunder a playoff berth.
SPURS BOUNCE BACK
Elsewhere on Tuesday, the San Antonio Spurs bounced back from Monday’s mauling at the hands of Houston with a 108- 72 blowout over the Orlando Magic.
LaMarcus Aldridge returned to the starting line- up for San Antonio and duly delivered with 24 points.
Aldridge was one of six Spurs to make double figures, helping the franchise improve to 38- 30 for the season.
San Antonio, who are awaiting the return of Kawhi Leonard from injury, are battling to avoid failing to reach the playoffs for the first time since 19961997.