Kevin Durant leads Oklahoma City Thunder to a 92-88 win over New Orleans Hornets – NBA Recap
With 2:01 remaining in the third quarter, Oklahoma City Thunder, playing at home against the New Orleans Hornets, were trailing by 11 points and were desperate for some inspiration to keep their winning streak going. That was the point when Scott Brooks made a savvy move, deciding to play a small lineup and injected third team point guard Reggie Jackson on the court.
That was it. Jackson nailed a three pointer right at the end of the third quarter to change the momentum and from there on Kevin Durant took over.
"You've just got to stay ready," the seldom used Jackson said after the game. "Of course it's tough, but once you get out there, especially in this atmosphere, it's easy to get going."
KD scored 25 of his night high 35 points in the second half, with 13 coming in the last quarter alone, to lead a Thunder rally towards a 92-88 win in front of a sold out and noisy Chesapeake Energy Arena.
He showered praise on Reggie for changing the game;
"Reggie has been here for a year now," Durant said. "He knows what it takes. He's not pouting that he's not playing. He's coming in and working hard every single day, just waiting on his chance, and coach gave him a chance tonight.”
Kevin Martin had 12 of his 17 points in the second half while Russell Westbrook managed just 14 points with 9 dimes, for the Thunder, who are now unbeaten in 9 consecutive games and also recorded their seventh consecutive win over the Hornets.
For Hornets, rookies dominated the night. Brian Roberts was the top scorer with 16 points, an effort which included 4 triples. Ryan Anderson added 14, rookie Austin Rivers has 12 on a poor 4 of 14, while Anthony Davis came off the bench to score 11 in a tad above 28 minutes.
Early in the second quarter, the scores were tied at 23, before the Hornets started a 13-3 run to take a 36-26 lead. With 56.5 seconds left in the half, two Westbrook free throws made it a one basket game at 36-39, but a personal five point run from Roberts, capped by a three pointer, made it 44-36 in the favour of Hornets.
Durant started to roll in the second half, but the Hornets were relentless, and were leading by 11 going into the last two minutes of the third. Thunder finished the period with a 7-0 run and then started the fourth with a 9-2 burst to take a 67-64 lead. Hornets re-took the lead moments later and were trailing by just one with 9 seconds remaining. The visitors however missed two three point attempts down the stretch as OKC held on for a win.
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