Russell Westbrook notches triple-double as Oklahoma City Thunder rout the visiting Brooklyn Nets 124-105

Following a confounding week of setbacks, Oklahoma City secured a second-consecutive victory by upending the visiting Brooklyn Nets 124-105.

Russell Westbrook’s inimitable brilliance was again on display as the eminent guard finished with 30 points, 13 assists and 11 rebounds to orchestrate a fourth triple-double through 13 games.

Pursuant to a Thunder season-best 124 point outburst, the grouping of Victor Oladipo (26 points), Steven Adams (15), Joffrey Lauvergne (13), Enes Kanter (13), and Alex Abrines (10) solidified an impressive collective performance for Oklahoma City.

Brooklyn, having lost four of five, was led in scoring by Brook Lopez (22), Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (13) and Bojan Bogdanovic (13).

The night began with dueling displays of high-octane offensive. Seven-footer Brook Lopez flashed his considerable range, making four-of-five shots from deep to lead all opening-stanza scorers with 14. For the defensively bewildered Thunder, Russell Westbrook’s eight points kept the proceedings tight. However, bolstered by eight-of-ten makes from distance, the scorching Nets carried a 40-34 advantage into quarter two.

In the second frame, Oklahoma City rode an explosive Westbrook output — amid a 20-7 run — to commandeer a 64-61 halftime lead.

At intermission, Westbrook’s red-hot 9-of-10 shooting punctuated a superb 20 point, 8 assist, 6 rebound first-half display. Joffrey Lauvergne added nine points, while Alex Abrines and Victor Oladipo each contributed eight. Overall, the Thunder blistered the nets to the tune of 57.8% shooting.

Meanwhile, visiting Brooklyn’s creditable opening salvo was led by Brook Lopez (16 points) and reserve center Justin Hamilton (10). The Nets’ 9-of-16 clip from deep made for a competitive opening 24 minutes of action.

As the second half began, Oklahoma City’s enlivened reserves played a pivotal role in establishing a fourteen-point cushion to enter the contest’s final 12 minutes.

In a lopsided fourth quarter, the Thunder emphatically pulled away to author an authoritative 124-105 victory.

Oklahoma City improves to 8-5, while Brooklyn falls to 4-8.

Oklahoma City’s ability to overcome an early defensive meltdown en route to a decisive home triumph was a healthy indicator for Billy Donovan’s rejuvenated unit. Even more impressive was the balanced scoring showcased by OKC’s roster.

Through the season’s first thirteen contests, the Thunder has proven itself a resilient squad. Oklahoma City now holds a 1.0 game advantage atop the Northwest Division standings.

The Thunder next take the court Sunday Nov. 20 vs. Indiana.