Thunder holds off Clippers to win 108-104

LOS ANGELES - With Oklahoma City trying to hold off another marquee team, Russell Westbrook took charge - in the huddle. He urged his Thunder teammates to keep their composure, set screens and play defense.

They listened and turned away a late rally by the Los Angeles Clippers to win 108-104 on Sunday in a matchup of Western Conference contenders.

“It was a good road win for us in a playoff-type atmosphere,” said Westbrook, who had 29 points and 10 assists. “We did a good job of keeping their crowd out of the game.”

Kevin Durant poured in 35 points and Serge Ibaka had 16 as Oklahoma City ended a three-game road skid, bouncing back less than 48 hours after losing at Denver. They also completed a season sweep of the Clippers, who are chasing the Thunder and NBA-best San Antonio in the West.

“We weren’t in a panic mode,” Westbrook said. “We just wanted to win.”

Chris Paul scored 26 points and Blake Griffin and Jamal Crawford added 20 points apiece for the Clippers, whose four-game winning streak ended in their third loss to the Thunder this season. Paul made all nine of his free throws to help his team go 19 for 22 from the line.

AP