OKLAHOMA CITY—Playing with a heavy heart a night after the wife of Assistant Coach Monty Williams died, Russell Westbrook led Oklahoma to a 121-95 victory over New Orleans on Thursday.
Ingrid Williams was involved in a car crash on Tuesday in Oklahoma City and died on Wednesday. A moment of silence was observed by both teams who had ties to the couple. Monty Williams coached the Pelicans last season before coming to Oklahoma City to help new coach Billy Donovan.
Westbrook had 23 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds. Kevin Durant scored 23 points, and Serge Ibaka added 18 for the Thunder. They have won 14 of 16 heading into the All-Star break.
Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday each scored 23 points for the Pelicans.
Khris Middleton scored 27 points, Giannis Antetokounmpo had 17 points and 13 rebounds, and Milwaukee held off Washington, 99-92.
Middleton answered again, hitting a jumper in the lane on the next possession before setting up a drive-and-dish to Greg Monroe that gave the Bucks a 97-90 lead with 15 seconds left. Middleton tied a season high with nine assists.