Thunder Fall to T'Wolves Despite Westbrook's Triple-Double
Russell Westbrook had his struggles on Friday night, but it still ended in a triple-double, although that was not enough for the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Thunder fell to the Minnesota Timberwolves, 96-86, as the T'Wolves record their third straight win for the first time this season. Karl-Anthony Towns had 29 points and 17 rebounds, while Ricky Rubio added 14 points and 14 assists. Westbrook finished with 21 points, 12 assists, and 11 rebounds for his 19th triple-double of the year, which is the most in a season since Wilt Chamberlain's 31 in 1967-68. Despite his triple-double, Westbrook shot just 7 of 23 from the floor, including 1 for 10 from three, and had 10 turnovers. Andrew Wiggins scored 19 points for Minnesota, as the Timberwolves held the Thunder to just 38.8 percent shooting on the night.
Thomas's Late Shot Lifts Celtics Past Hawks
Al Horford returned to Atlanta for the first time as a visitor, and Isaiah Thomas made sure it was an enjoyable return for the veteran. Thomas scored 13 of his 28 points in the fourth, including the game-winner with two seconds remaining, for a 103-101 Celtics win over the Hawks. The victory snaps Atlanta's six-game winning streak, despite them getting 23 points from Tim Hardaway Jr. and Paul Millsap. They had won 12 of 16 to move into fourth place in the Eastern Conference. The Celtics sit in third place, as they got 26 points off the bench from Kelly Olynyk, and hit 17 three-pointers as a team. In his return, Horford had 10 points, six rebounds, and six assists in 35 minutes. Boston sits at 25-15 on the year, 2.5 games above Atlanta, who is 22-17.
Caps Shut Out Blackhawks to Extend Win Streak
The Washington Capitals' win streak has been full of statement wins, including the one on Friday night, as they shut out the Chicago Blackhawks, 6-0, for their eighth straight victory. The win snaps the Blackhawks' four-game win streak, as Washington has now snapped five streaks of three or more during their own streak, including the Blue Jackets' 16-game run. Braden Holtby had 24 saves in his league-leading sixth shutout, which includes five in the past 14 games. In that span, Holtby is 9-2-2 with a 1.34 goals-against-average and a .950 save percentage. He has not allowed an even-strength goal in five games, dating back to the January 3rd mathcup against the Toronto Maple Leafs. With Columbus's win over the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Capitals remain one point back for first place in the Metropolitan Division.
Russell Westbrook had his struggles on Friday night, but it still ended in a triple-double, although that was not enough for the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Thunder fell to the Minnesota Timberwolves, 96-86, as the T'Wolves record their third straight win for the first time this season. Karl-Anthony Towns had 29 points and 17 rebounds, while Ricky Rubio added 14 points and 14 assists. Westbrook finished with 21 points, 12 assists, and 11 rebounds for his 19th triple-double of the year, which is the most in a season since Wilt Chamberlain's 31 in 1967-68. Despite his triple-double, Westbrook shot just 7 of 23 from the floor, including 1 for 10 from three, and had 10 turnovers. Andrew Wiggins scored 19 points for Minnesota, as the Timberwolves held the Thunder to just 38.8 percent shooting on the night.
Thomas's Late Shot Lifts Celtics Past Hawks
Al Horford returned to Atlanta for the first time as a visitor, and Isaiah Thomas made sure it was an enjoyable return for the veteran. Thomas scored 13 of his 28 points in the fourth, including the game-winner with two seconds remaining, for a 103-101 Celtics win over the Hawks. The victory snaps Atlanta's six-game winning streak, despite them getting 23 points from Tim Hardaway Jr. and Paul Millsap. They had won 12 of 16 to move into fourth place in the Eastern Conference. The Celtics sit in third place, as they got 26 points off the bench from Kelly Olynyk, and hit 17 three-pointers as a team. In his return, Horford had 10 points, six rebounds, and six assists in 35 minutes. Boston sits at 25-15 on the year, 2.5 games above Atlanta, who is 22-17.
Caps Shut Out Blackhawks to Extend Win Streak
The Washington Capitals' win streak has been full of statement wins, including the one on Friday night, as they shut out the Chicago Blackhawks, 6-0, for their eighth straight victory. The win snaps the Blackhawks' four-game win streak, as Washington has now snapped five streaks of three or more during their own streak, including the Blue Jackets' 16-game run. Braden Holtby had 24 saves in his league-leading sixth shutout, which includes five in the past 14 games. In that span, Holtby is 9-2-2 with a 1.34 goals-against-average and a .950 save percentage. He has not allowed an even-strength goal in five games, dating back to the January 3rd mathcup against the Toronto Maple Leafs. With Columbus's win over the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Capitals remain one point back for first place in the Metropolitan Division.
