OKLAHOMA CITY — Russell Westbrook scored 26 points and Oklahoma City took advantage of LeBron James’ absence to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 103-94 on Thursday night
James sat out with left knee soreness and without him, Cleveland’s winning streak ended at eight games. Cavaliers coach David Blatt said before the game that James’ injury wasn’t too serious, and he would be day-to-day.
Westbrook made 12 of 24 shots and had eight assists and seven rebounds. Kevin Durant added 19 points for the Thunder, who have won four straight and six of seven after a 3-12 start.
Kyrie Irving scored 20 points for Cleveland on 7-of-21 shooting. Kevin Love had 18 points and 16 rebounds, and Tristan Thompson added 14 points and 13 rebounds for the Cavaliers.
ROCKETS 113, KINGS 109, OT
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — James Harden scored 44 points, including 10 in overtime, and also had eight assists to lead Houston over Sacramento.
Harden, the NBA’s leading scorer, tied the game with a 3-pointer and then opened the extra period with seven unanswered points. The win was the fifth in six games for the Rockets, who are 9-3 on the road.
Trevor Ariza scored 15 and Patrick Beverly had 15 points and 10 rebounds for the Rockets.
Darren Collison scored 24 points and Ben McLemore added 21 for the Kings, who dropped their second straight and seventh in nine games. Jason Thompson had 13 points and 15 rebounds.
The Kings committed 22 turnovers that led to 27 Houston points.