Despite a new coach, Thunder loses again
David West scored a season-high 33 points and Chris Paul had a triple-double to help New Orleans beat Oklahoma City, 109-97, Saturday night, handing the Thunder its 11th consecutive loss and first under Scott Brooks.
Oklahoma City, which fired P.J. Carlesimo as coach Saturday after its 105-80 home loss to the Hornets on Friday night, hung around much longer in the second game between the teams in two days.
The Thunder led by seven points in the second quarter and cut the deficit to 92-87 when Russell Westbrook made two free throws with 5 minutes 45 seconds to play.
Paul and West each had four points as the Hornets finished off the Thunder with an 8-2 run to make it 100-89.
West capped the spurt with a layup after Paul came up with a steal. Paul finished with 29 points, 16 assists and 10 rebounds.
“Their two best players both had monster games against us, and they’re one of the best teams in the NBA,” Brooks said. “It’s going to be tough for anyone to win when that happens.”
Kevin Durant led Oklahoma City with 30 points on 11-for-16 shooting.
Get our high school sports newsletter
Prep Rally is devoted to the SoCal high school sports experience, bringing you scores, stories and a behind-the-scenes look at what makes prep sports so popular.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
