Klay the man as Warriors avoid back-to-back losses, Westbrook´s streak ends
The Golden State Warriors returned to winning ways in the NBA on Sunday, while Russell Westbrook’s streak of triple-doubles ended.
Klay Thompson starred as the Warriors outlasted the Minnesota Timberwolves 116-108 to avoid back-to-back defeats following their loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.
Westbrook had to be content with a double-double in the Oklahoma City Thunder’s 99-96 victory against the Boston Celtics.
There were always wins for the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers.
WARRIORS RALLY AGAINST TIMBERWOLVES
The Warriors have not lost consecutive games since 2015, a run of 111 regular-season matches.
And that streak looked under threat as the Timberwolves started the final quarter with a 88-78 lead.
But Golden State – on the back of Thompson’s 30 points – outscored Minnesota 38-20 in the fourth to return to bounce back.
Karl-Anthony Towns had 25 points and 18 rebounds for the Timberwolves, who have lost four successive games.
WESTBROOK IS HUMAN AFTER ALL
Not since Michael Jordan in 1989 had a player recorded seven successive triple-doubles in the NBA.
Westbrook put that run on the line against the Celtics and while the Thunder won, the five-time All-Star’s streak came to a halt.
He had to be content with 37 points, 12 rebounds and six assists.
ROSE INSPIRES KNICKS
The return of Derrick Rose was enough to see off the Los Angeles Lakers 118-112.
Rose starred in his return to the line-up after missing two games with back spasms, scoring 25 points on 12-of-16 shooting.
PORZINGIS SAYS NO!
Kristaps Porzingis is now up to 7 BLOCKS! #Knicks pic.twitter.com/sfotOEfhev
— NBA (@NBA) December 12, 2016
Off the glass to AD for the flush!#Pelicans pic.twitter.com/MV8BmVqZjZ
— NBA (@NBA) December 12, 2016
76ERS AND SUNS WIN
The Philadelphia 76ers upstaged the Detroit Pistons 97-79, while the New Orleans Pelicans prevailed 120-119 in overtime against the Phoenix Suns.
CLIPPERS HEADLINE ACTION
The Los Angeles Clippers host the Portland Trail Blazers seeking back-to-back wins on Monday. Elsewhere, the Toronto Raptors face the Milwaukee Bucks and the Houston Rockets take on the Brooklyn Nets.
