NBA Wrap: Thunder zap Pelicans; Bucks keep Wizards at bay

OKLAHOMA CITY — Playing with a heavy heart a night after the wife of assistant coach Monty Williams died, Russell Westbrook led Oklahoma to a 121-95 victory over New Orleans on Thursday (Friday in Manila).

 

Ingrid Williams was involved in a car crash Tuesday (Wednesday) in Oklahoma City and died Wednesday. A moment of silence was observed by both teams who had ties to the couple. Monty Williams coached the Pelicans last season before coming to Oklahoma City to help new coach Billy Donovan.

 

Westbrook had 23 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds. Kevin Durant scored 23 points, and Serge Ibaka added 18 for the Thunder. They have won 14 of 16 heading into the All-Star break.

 

Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday each scored 23 points for the Pelicans.

 

Westbrook got his 10th assist on Ibaka's 3-pointer that gave the Thunder a 79-65 lead. Westbrook had his ninth rebound with just under 3 minutes to go in the third quarter before heading to the bench for his usual rest and the Thunder ahead 86-68.

 

BUCKS 99, WIZARDS 92

 

MILWAUKEE — Khris Middleton scored 27 points, Giannis Antetokounmpo had 17 points and 13 rebounds, and Milwaukee held off Washington.

 

Middleton answered again, hitting a jumper in the lane on the next possession before setting up a drive-and-dish to Greg Monroe that gave the Bucks a 97-90 lead with 15 seconds left. Middleton tied a season high with nine assists.

 

Bradley Beal scored 19 points for the Wizards, and John Wall had 15 points and 10 assists.