Thunder Ends Raptors Run On Westbrook Triple Double

Los Angeles, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Mar, 2018 ) :Russell Westbrook unleashed his fifth consecutive triple double with 37 points, 13 rebounds and 14 assists Sunday as the Oklahoma City Thunder beat Toronto 132-125, snapping the Raptors' 11-game NBA win streak.

Westbrook's heroics, including back-to-back baskets to break a tie with 54.9 seconds remaining, denied the Raptors the longest win streak in club history. Toronto remained atop the Eastern Conference with a 52-18 record, but the Raptors were fuming after a chaotic end to the contest.

DeMar DeRozan, who led Toronto with 24 points, was ejected with less than 10 seconds to play for arguing with an official. "You know the frustration, you know what it came down to," said DeRozan, who was still angry after the game at what he said were non-calls on obvious fouls.

"It was obvious, especially at the end of the game." Teammate Serge Ibaka was tossed moments later, then Toronto coach Dwane Casey was ejected -- although video appeared to show it was a fan behind him who yelled at the referee.

Casey was measured in his post-game comments, saying only that the Raptors are looking for "fairness and consistency" from officials and adding: "We'll complain in the proper way." His reticence came on the same day that New Orleans coach Alvin Gentry and Detroit coach Stan Van Gundy were fined $15,000 apiece for post-game rants about refereeing.

Oklahoma City improved to 43-29 as they chase Portland for third place in the Western Conference. New Zealand center Steven Adams added 25 points and eight rebounds for the Thunder while Paul George scored 22 points and Carmelo Anthony netted 15.

"This was definitely a playoff atmosphere type of game," Anthony said. "It's something that we needed to be a part of coming down the stretch." Westbrook added: "You've got to be able to keep your composure through it all. That's what the game was all about."