Russell Westbrook collected his second career triple-double and Kevin Durant carved out another niche in NBA history on Sunday, carrying Oklahoma City to its ninth consecutive victory, 109-107 — the last-place Wolves’ sixth straight loss.
From Darnell Mayberry/The Oklahoman:
Oklahoma City led by 15 points midway through the third period before putting the game on cruise and watching the Wolves peel off a 27-10 run to go ahead 88-86 with 8:16 left. It was Minnesota’s first lead since 2-0, and that’s when the momentum of truth was triggered and the Thunder took control.
“I didn’t expect to be able to play this much,” Milicic said after playing for the first time since Nov. 13.
He also didn’t expect to be on the floor with the game on the line at the end. And he certainly couldn’t have imagined that the hometown fans of his fifth team in seven NBA seasons would call for him by name.
“The crowd was unbelievable,” Milicic said. “I heard the cheers, but I was just trying to focus on breathing so I wouldn’t die.”
He looked like he was having fun and enjoyed playing out there,” Head Coach Kurt Rambis commented. “He obviously has tremendous abilities and capabilities. The No. 2 draft pick and we have him on our team right now; if we can just find a way to involve him and get him playing and understanding our system more. He has such a tremendously high basketball IQ.”
“I thought it was exceptional for [Darko],” Rambis expressed. “He received a warm reception, and the fans appreciated how he played, the style of ball that he brings to us.” The crowd showed their support of Milicic when he stepped onto the floor seven minutes into the game and even began a “We want Darko” chant late in the fourth quarter. “It’s been a long time since I’ve heard something like that,” Love laughed.
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