Kevin Durant (44 points) leads Thunder past Suns in overtime, 137-134

Kevin Durant scored a season-high 44 points in his return from a six-game absence and the Oklahoma City Thunder overcame Russell Westbrook’s ejection to beat the visiting Phoenix Suns, 137-134, in overtime Wednesday night.

Coming back from a sprained right ankle, Durant made 13 of 23 shots, including six of 11 three-point attempts, and all 12 of his free throws. He also had 10 rebounds and seven assists.

Anthony Murrow broke a tie in overtime with a four-point play, and the Thunder held on when Markieff Morris missed a potential go-ahead three-pointer with 2.9 seconds left.

Westbrook picked up two technical fouls late in the first half. Westbrook and Suns center Alex Len got tangled on a rebound, resulting in a brief skirmish that resulted in a flagrant foul on Len and a technical on Westbrook.

After Westbrook hit two free throws, Durant and Morris were given technicals for jawing at each other.

Once play resumed, Westbrook converted a layup and was fouled, then was called for his second technical, causing his ejection with 7.8 seconds left in the half. He had 20 points.

Eric Bledsoe led the Suns with 29 points, Morris had 25 and Goran Dragic 21.

at San Antonio 95, New Orleans 93 (OT): Manu Ginobili had 26 points and the Spurs avoided their fourth overtime loss at home in December. Ginobili had seven points in overtime, helping San Antonio overcome an early six-point deficit in the extra period. Tim Duncan tipped in a shot at the buzzer to end regulation.

at Houston 102, Charlotte 83: James Harden scored 36 points and the Rockets beat the Hornets for the eighth time in a row. Harden, the league’s leading scorer, recorded his NBA-best 14th 30-point game.

Milwaukee 96, at Cleveland 80: Brandon Knight scored 26 points and Bucks beat the Cavaliers, who played without LeBron James (sore right knee) for the second straight game. Kevin Love did not play because of back spasms and Cleveland lost for the fourth time in five games.

at Indiana 106, Miami 95: C.J. Miles scored 25 points and George Hill added 20 for the Pacers, who overcome a 10-point second-half deficit. The Heat lost its third in row despite 20 points from Dwyane Wade.

at Boston 106, Sacramento 84: Jared Sullinger scored 20 points and grabbed 11 rebounds to help the Celtics end a losing streak at four games. Darren Collison and Carl Landry each scored 14 points for the Kings, who lost for the ninth time in 11 games. Sacramento forward DeMarcus Cousins was ejected after collecting his second technical of the game midway into the final quarter.

at Clippers 99, New York 78