Westbrook stars in Thunder loss, Bulls stop skid
Russell Westbrook was in inspired form once more, but he was unable to prevent the Oklahoma City Thunder going down to the Atlanta Hawks in the NBA.
Westbrook had a double-double in the Thunder’s 110-108 defeat on Monday, while he missed a go-ahead shot in the dying seconds.
It marked a third loss in four games for the Thunder, who slipped to 16-12 this season.
Meanwhile, the Chicago Bulls ended a three-game skid with a convincing victory over the Detroit Pistons.
HAWKS OVERCOME WESTBROOK, THUNDER
Westbrook finished with 46 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists in yet another huge performance for the Thunder.
But he only had two team-mates also in double digits for points – Jerami Grant (15) and Andre Roberson (14).
The Hawks were led by Dennis Schroder (31 points) and Paul Millsap, who had a double-double of 30 points and 11 rebounds.
Millsap broke the tie with a 10-foot jumper with 12 seconds left.
BULLS BACK
The Bulls needed a win and they had few problems disposing of the Pistons 113-82.
They had seven players manage double figures in points, including Rajon Rondo – who added 14 assists to his 10 points.
Jimmy Butler had a game-high 19 points for the Bulls.
LAVINE DUNK
We want to be like Zach LaVine when we grow up. #NBAVine https://t.co/IZ78ZPpiFn
— NBA (@NBA) December 20, 2016
The @ATLHawks get a big road win over the @okcthunder, 110-108.
Schroder’s 31 points & Millsap’s clutch jumper led the way. #TrueToAtlanta pic.twitter.com/nSl7e1L1U6
— NBA (@NBA) December 20, 2016
PACERS EDGE WIZARDS
The Indiana Pacers overcame the Washington Wizards 107-105, the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Phoenix Suns 115-108 and the Denver Nuggets overcame the Dallas Mavericks 117-107.
SPURS AT ROCKETS
Tuesday’s battle between the San Antonio Spurs (22-5) and Houston Rockets (21-7) will feature two of the best players in the league. James Harden has flourished in his new point guard role with Houston, averaging a double-double. Kawhi Leonard is one of the most consistent players in the NBA on either end of the court.
