Oklahoma City Holds Off Hornets, 97-92

Thunder improved to 11-1 in games decided by six points or fewer.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 12:05 pm

By: News On 6

Originally Published: Dec 10, 2010 9:56 PM CDT

Grant Belcher
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

NEW ORLEANS -- Qualities such as defense, free throws and closing out close games make up championship basketball teams.

And while the Thunder haven’t won a championship yet, they certainly showed those qualities in a 97-92 victory against the Hornets on Friday in New Orleans.

Oklahoma City improved to 11-1 in games decided by two possessions – six points – or less with the victory.

The Thunder also shot 23-of-26 (90 percent) from the free-throw line to close out the game.

And though OKC has not hung its hat on defense so far this year (it had been giving up an average of 103 a game), it held the Hornets to well below that opponent scoring average on Friday.

After a close first quarter, New Orleans took over in the second and jumped out to a nine-point lead on a Chris Paul layup with six seconds left until half. Paul had a mediocre night with 18 points and seven assists after having to deal with defense from Russell Westbrook throughout the game.

Westbrook led the Thunder on a 14-4 run to start the third quarter, including eight points and two assists in the span.

New Orleans made another rally, tying the game at 76 early in the fourth quarter on a 3 from Marco Belinelli.

But the Thunder’s calling card – free throws – allowed them to close out the contest and win their second straight.

It was the first time Chris Paul has lost to the Thunder in New Orleans, and the road win gives Oklahoma City the second-highest road win total (nine) of any team in the NBA. The Knicks are first with 10.

The win also accounted for a swap in the Western Conference standings. The Thunder jumped up to fifth in the West and the Hornets slid a spot to sixth.

Westbrook filled up the stat sheet with 29 points and 10 assists. Kevin Durant added 25 points, six assists and five boards for the Thunder.

Forward Serge Ibaka got the start for an injured Nenad Krstic and had another impressive game, racking up 18 points, nine rebounds and three blocks.

The Thunder will return home to Oklahoma City Arena for the first of a four-game home stand against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m.