Westbrook´s triple-double leads Thunder, Wall stars as Wizards win again

Russell Westbrook posted his 23rd career triple-double as the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 113-93 in the NBA on Friday.

Westbrook scored 12 points, and tallied 11 rebounds and 10 assists for his fourth triple-double of the season.

The four-time All-Star’s performance was the perfect response after he was ejected against the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday, as the Thunder extended their winning streak to three games.

“Russell is a quarterback with a linebacker’s mentality,” Timberwolves interim coach Sam Mitchell said. “You can count on your hand the guys in this league with that mentality.

“He is just a rare, unique individual and as a coach, you have to respect him, because he leaves everything on the floor every single night.”

Kevin Durant (21 points), Dion Waiters (20 points) and Cameron Payne (14 points) made solid contributions for the Thunder, while Andrew Wiggins led the Timberwolves (25 points).

The in-form Washington Wizards won their fourth consecutive game, accounting for the Indiana Pacers 118-104.

John Wall led the way with 28 points, seven rebounds and eight assists, and he was supported by Wizards team-mate Bradley Beal, who posted 22 points.

Paul George had 21 points as the Pacers lost back-to-back games.

The Portland Trail Blazers also continued their good form, seeing off the Brooklyn Nets 116-104 for a third straight victory.

Elsewhere, the Mavericks rallied to beat the Chicago Bulls 83-77 and the Cleveland Cavaliers returned to winning ways via a 91-77 victory over the Houston Rockets.

The New Orleans Pelicans edged the Charlotte Hornets 109-107, the Atlanta Hawks fell 108-101 to the Milwaukee Bucks, the Miami Heat upstaged the Denver Nuggets 98-95, while the Boston Celtics were 117-103 winners against the Phoenix Suns.