OKC Rings in New Year with Victory

Westbrook's triple-double leads Thunder past Hawks, 103-94.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 12:07 pm

By: News On 6

Originally Published: Dec 31, 2010 9:48 PM CDT

Grant Belcher
Oklahoma Sports Staff

OKLAHOMA CITY – Russell Westbrook figured out the perfect way to end 2010.

With just a couple of hours left until the new year officially arrived, Westbrook picked up a triple-double on an assist to Serge Ibaka and sealed a 103-94 victory against the Atlanta Hawks at the Oklahoma City Arena.

The triple-double - which included 23 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists – was the third of Westbrook’s young career.

The contest wasn’t a blowout, but the Oklahoma City Thunder certainly controlled the tempo of the game from the opening tip, grabbing a lead just more than two minutes in and never trailing again.

Kevin Durant had 11 first quarter points to get his team out to a nine-point lead after the first. He led all scorers with 33 points, including five 3-pointers.

Atlanta narrowed the OKC lead to five midway through the third, but the Thunder quickly jumped out on a 7-0 run to extend the lead to 12. Oklahoma City led by seven at the half.

The Hawks (21-14) got as close as a two-point deficit on a layup from Zaza Pachulia to start the fourth quarter, but Durant heated up in the fourth quarter, knocking down three 3-pointers to boost OKC to the victory.

The Thunder shot well in every facet, making 48 percent overall, 55 percent from downtown and 88 percent from the line.

Guard James Harden added 15 points on an efficient 5-of-6 shooting night for the Thunder while Serge Ibaka registered a double-double with 10 points and 10 boards.

Oklahoma City (23-11) has now won a game on New Year's Eve and picked up a win in each of the three years since the franchise's move. The Thunder beat Utah on New Year's Eve 2009 and won in overtime against Golden State in 2008.

The win moved the Thunder into sole possession of first place in the Northwest Division and into a tie with the Los Angeles Lakers for third place in the Western Conference.

The victory also finished a four-game home stand in Oklahoma City where the Thunder went 3-1, but they will have to hit the road for three straight to open 2011.

The new year will open with a tough task, for the OKC players and coaches spent their New Year’s Eve on the plane to San Antonio to face the Spurs, who have the best record in the NBA.

Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. at the AT&T Center.