Thunder win on somber night
With the teams playing with heavy hearts a night after the wife of Thunder assistant and former Pelicans head coach Monty Williams died, Russell Westbrook led host Oklahoma City to a 121- 95 victory over New Orleans on Thursday.
Ingrid Williams was involved in a car crash Tuesday night in Oklahoma City and died Wednesday. A moment of silence was observed for her before the game. Monty Williams coached the Pelicans last season before coming to Oklahoma City to help new coach Billy Donovan.
Westbrook had 23 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds. Kevin Durant scored 23 points, and Serge Ibaka added 18 for the Thunder, who have won 14 of 16.
Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday each scored 23 points for the Pelicans.
“We love the game so much, but that’s not really what’s important,” Durant said. “It’s definitely something that we love to do, but relationships, family — those things — that’s what’s most important in life.”
Bucks 99, Wizards 92: Khris Middleton scored 27 points, and Giannis Antetokounmpo had 17 points and 13 rebounds for host Milwaukee. Middleton had 14 points in the final quarter.
Hornet reinjured: Charlotte forward Michael Kidd- Gilchrist has torn the labrum in his right shoulder for a second time, possibly ending his season. Kidd- Gilchrist was out for nearly four months after tearing his labrum in a preseason game and having surgery. He had averaged 12.7 points and 6.4 rebounds in seven games since his return.
Briefly: Heat center Hassan Whiteside has been suspended one game without pay for his elbow to the head of San Antonio Spurs center Boban Marjanovic. ... Suns rookie Devin Booker has replaced the 76ers’ injured Nerlens Noel on the U. S. roster for Friday night’s Rising Stars Challenge.