Westbrook Gets a Triple-Double, Charlotte Hornets Get the Win Over OKC, 113-101

The Charlotte Hornets were able to overcome Russell Westbrook‘s triple-double as they swept the season series against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The Charlotte Hornets (36-41) were able to defeat the Oklahoma City Thunder (43-33) as they extended their win streak to three games. Steve Clifford’s side picked up their first ever victory in Oklahoma City against the Thunder while Russell Westbrook recorded his first ever triple-double against the Hornets. This win continues Charlotte’s late push for the playoffs.

Johnny O’Bryant missed his 12th straight game with an ankle injury while Ramon Sessions was a healthy scratch in this one. Miles Plumlee picked up a black eye in the first half but stayed in the game and was okay to play.

Game Story and Turning Point

This game wasn’t as close as the final score shows. Charlotte controlled the entire second half and even opened up a 21-point lead in in the fourth quarter. The Hornets only held a five-point lead at the half but a 13-0 run to start the third period gave the away team a decisive advantage. They never looked back after that as OKC was unable to cut Charlotte’s lead to single digits. The Hornets actually held the lead from the 2:20 mark in the first quarter until the final buzzer. Charlotte’s ability to force the Thunder into turnovers was the story of the game.

Who Stepped Up

Kemba Walker was lights out as he shot 50% from the field and made six three’s in this one. He finished with 29 points and four assists. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist was the Hornets’ catalyst in this one as he ignited the team on both sides of the ball with 16 points, six rebounds and two steals. Cody Zeller added 11 points while Nicolas Batum ended with nine points, eight assists and seven boards.

Charlotte’s second unit showed up once again as Frank Kaminsky led the way with 18 points. Jeremy Lamb also chipped in with 13 points off of the bench in his return to Oklahoma City. Marvin Williams only scored four points but he had three huge blocks.

The Thunder were led by Russell Westbrook who picked up his 40th triple-double of the season and his six consecutive. He finished with 40 points to go along with 13 rebounds and 10 assists but also eight turnovers. Victor Oladipo had 19 points and six assists in this one. Andre Roberson was the only other player for OKC to scored in double-figures with 12 points.

Play of the Game:

Tweet of the Game:

"Quick Stings"

Charlotte recorded 18 steals which is the most they’ve had in a game since 2012.
Kemba has now scored 20+ points in 53 games this season.
Nic Batum passed Gerald Wallace for 11th all-time in Hornets’ made three’s.
Walker recorded the 600th steal of his career in this one.
OKC turned the ball over a season-high 24 times.

With the win, the Hornets improve to 2-0 and sweep the season series from the Thunder. This is the first time that Charlotte has ever swept a season series against OKC. Both victories also came by 10+ points.

Next: Kemba Doing Everything to Get Charlotte Into Playoffs

In their next outing, the Charlotte Hornets will travel to the nation’s capital to take on the Washington Wizards. This will be the fourth and final matchup between these two teams with John Wall and Bradley Beal‘s side taking two of the first three this season. Every game is important for the Hornets as they likely need to win out in order to make the playoffs. This one will be no different.

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