Russell Westbrook nets third consecutive triple-double in Oklahoma City’s 112-103 triumph over the New York Knicks

The Oklahoma City Thunder’s noted season of streaks continued Monday with a 112-103 triumph over the New York Knicks.

As Oklahoma City won a third consecutive contest, virtuoso Russell Westbrook (27 pts, 18 rbs, 14 ast) collected his third triple-double in as many games. To accurately place Westbrook’s performance in a historical perspective, now only five NBA immortals have amassed more career triple-doubles than the 28-year-old 6’3 guard.

The Thunder also received sterling scoring production from Enes Kanter (27), Anthony Morrow (14), and Steven Adams (14).

New York was led by former MVP Derrick Rose’s 30-point performance. Other Knicks to shine in an otherwise grey outing include: Kristaps Porzingis (21) and Carmelo Anthony (18).

Overall, OKC’s bench outscored New York’s by a wide 48-19 margin.

As the contest began, Oklahoma City's defense floundered while Derrick Rose (8 pts) and the New York Knicks forged a 29-24 first-quarter advantage. The Knicks’ perfect nine-of-nine free-throw shooting fully exploited OKC’s errant seven personal fouls. Russell Westbrook led all scorers with nine points. However, Westbrook finished the period on the precipice of foul trouble.

Unfazed, throughout the second stanza, Westbrook riveted as Enes Kanter (13 pts) and the Thunder bench concurrently roused to life. While Westbrook (14 pts, 10 reb, 9 ast) flirted with a first-half triple-double, the OKC reserves (31 pts) helped erase a ten-point deficit to construct a 58-55 halftime edge.

Anthony Morrow (11 pts) joined Westbrook and Kanter to round out Oklahoma City's top halftime performers.

Meanwhile, at intermission, Carmelo Anthony (11 pts), Kristaps Porzingis (14), and Derrick Rose (14) paced the Knicks.

With the penultimate period underway, Westbrook authored yet another triple-double as his Thunder stormed ahead 88-81 to enter the fourth. Having collected a remarkable eighth triple-double on the season, Westbrook has now reclaimed a sixth-place tie with LeBron James in the all-time record books.

Amid the pomp of Westbrook’s massive night, the final period was Oklahoma City’s for the taking. As the final horn sounded, a streaking Thunder iteration prevailed 112-103. Oklahoma City now sits atop the Northwest Division at 11-8. Meanwhile, the home-standing Knicks fell one game below .500 (8-9).

Oklahoma City next plays Wednesday evening vs. the visiting Washington Wizards.