Durant out with hamstring injury

Russell Westbrook was impressive as always, finishing with a triple-double of 22 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists.

Washington’s effort against the Thunder was particularly egregious, especially since Kevin Durant exited the game with a strained hamstring at halftime, so Wittman has a right to be animated.

After the game, Thunder head coach Billy Donovan said Durant would be further evaluated on Wednesday, but noted the issue “didn’t sound too serious”, per Royce Young of ESPN. Despite the boos, Durant finished the first half with 14 points on 50% shooting, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists. He suffered a foot injury in the preseason and missed the first month of the regular season.

“We’re not taking any pride in it”, Wittman said. Oklahoma City sank 15 of 23 3-pointers during its second straight win. Teams can score with them, or more than them in these last three games (losses to Houston, Toronto, and Chicago). “I can walk, it’s just a little sore”. You guys that play 27 minutes and get one defensive rebound.

During the current losing streak, the Wizards – whose foundation for success during playoff runs the last two seasons was their defense – are giving up 119 points per game. “You give me 27 minutes on Saturday and I can get you a rebound”. Just got to get back.

On a night marred by an injury to (one of) OKC’s prized superstars, the Thunder were able to eke out a big victory in D.C. behind the insane Westbrook and the even more maniacal Waiters.

Guards Eric Gordon, Ish Smith and Toney Douglas also each scored 17 points for the Pelicans, who handed the Mavs their third defeat in four games. But John Wall had only nine points and five assists as Washington’s losing streak reached three games.

Despite playing at home, the Wizards fell behind early, trailing 37-23 after the first quarter and never really recovered as they were playing without their top scorer in Bradley Beal, who was suffering from a minor shoulder injury. In that time span, the Thunder plays five games (vs. Philadelphia, vs. Boston, at Memphis, vs. New Orleans, and vs. New York).