Thunder Use Balanced Offense To Beat Stubburn Kings

By Randy Renner

It took longer than it probably should have but the Thunder finally put away the Sacramento Kings 116-103 thanks to an offense that had three players score at least 22 points and made very few mistakes. 

The Kings hung tough for much of the game, rallying from 13 down to tie the game at 72 late in the 3rd quarter. But the Thunder closed the quarter with a 10-4 run and then control.ed the 4th quarter to hold on for the win.

Russell Westbrook led the way with 27 points and 10 assists. Enes Kanter bounced back frkm a tough outing against the Spurs to score 25 points on 9-for-14 shooting,, Dion Waiters dropped in 22 and Anthony Morrow added 19 including five 3-pointers.

"It was nice to come out and get the win, we had a lot of good performances. Now it's on to the next game," said head coach Scott Brooks. 

OKC's offense shared the ball with 21 assists and took care of the ball, turning it over just seven times leading to 10 Sacramento points. 

Nick Collison returned to the lineup after missing about a month with a sprained ankle, his presence helped greatly on defense because he was able to call out coverages while he was in there. 

"Anything Nick does out there we like," said Brooks. "He understands our system, it's second nature to him. he understands the play before the play happens." 

The Thunder will practice Saturday before flying to Indianapolis for Sunday's game against the Pacers. It will be another game they will have to win since the New Orleans Pelicans beat Phoenix on Friday night OKC can't afford another loss. 

The Thunder can't afford another injury either but they got one anyway. Late in the game Perry Jones rolled his left ankle and needed help getting to his locker. He was on crutches as he left the arena.