| |
|
NBA -- OKC holds off Orlando, stays No.2 in the West
By Homer D. Sayson
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 17 Mar 2013
CHICAGO -- With just four defeats in 34 home games, the Chesapeake Energy Arena is one of the toughest buildings to play in the NBA. And the Oklahoma City Thunder reinforced that reputation with yet another victory Friday night before their 100th consecutive sell-out.
Behind the big guns of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, who combined for 49 points, 15 rebounds and nine assists, the Thunder held off the visiting Orlando Magic, 117-104. Serge Ibaka and reserve Kevin Martin chipped in 20 and 15 points respectively for the Thunder, who led by as many as 27 points and made 42 of their 76 field goals.
With their 49th win in 66 games, OKC remains at No.2 in the Western Conference, trailing the 50-16 San Antonio Spurs by just one game. The streaking Miami Heat, winners of 21 straight and counting, hold the NBA's best record overall with a 50-14 slate.
All five of Orlando's starters scored in double figures with point guard Jameer Nelson finishing with 26 and seven assists while Nekola Vucevic turning in 21 and 14 rebounds. Aaron Afflalo had 20, Tobias Harris added 19 and Maurice Harkless settled for 12. But the Magic, who cut a 27-point deficit all the way down to 103-99, shot just 43.5 percent from the field and 25.9 from 3-point range.
"We knew they'd play hard but our focus was inconsistent throughout the game and that's something we have to get better at. We missed a lot of free throws and a lot of layups. The bright spot about this game is that it's over with," OKC Thunder head coach Scott Brooks told NBA.com after his team's close escape against an Orlando team that has won only 18 of 66 contests. (Homer D. Sayson)
Photo: Power reserve Kevin Martin slams home an easy two in OKC's 117-104 destruction of the Orlando Magic.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Homer D. Sayson.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
“Lucky Boy" Alicaba Ready for Action Friday in Thailand
By Carlos Costa, , Thu, 26 Mar 2026WBO & WBA World Champion René “El Chulo” Santiago Hosts Open Media Workout Ahead of April 3 Title Defense in Tokyo
, Thu, 26 Mar 2026Former WBA FEDELATIN President Panamanian Aurelio Fiengo passes away
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 26 Mar 2026The 19th edition of the Kamatyas Rapid Open and Kiddies Chess Tournament on March 28, 2026
By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 26 Mar 2026WIG-WHAM! MILLER PLANS ‘OLD SCHOOL’ BEATING OF PERO IN LAS VEGAS
, Thu, 26 Mar 2026ProBoxTV Bringing a Storm of Flying Leather to Thunder Studios This Saturday, March 28, as Bryan Acosta Collides with Ronny Rios in Crossroads Bantamweight Slugfest
, Thu, 26 Mar 2026Vito Mielnicki Jr. Training Camp Quotes
, Thu, 26 Mar 2026Remembering Mr. Elorde: Still the Gold Standard
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, , Wed, 25 Mar 2026House of Representatives say yes to the Boxing Revitalization Act and it is now sent to the Senate
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 25 Mar 2026Ryan ‘The Polish Prince’ Kielczweski To return after 4-year layoff to fight at home on Granite Chin’s ‘Rumble at the Rink II’ card
, Wed, 25 Mar 2026Ellaine Summer Abanco wins silver medal on tiebreak
By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 25 Mar 2026Catubig, McDowell win in DC Athletic 4
By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 25 Mar 2026Team Juna wins first competition in IRONMAN 70.3 Davao
By Kim delos Reyes-Teves, , Wed, 25 Mar 2026Round 12: Without Promoters there is no Boxing
By Mauricio Sulaimán, , Wed, 25 Mar 2026Mexican female IBF Champion Irma Garcia to defend on April 5 in England
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 25 Mar 202614-0 super middleweight prospect Tommy ‘The Governor’ Hyde to headline April 18th at home in Cork, Ireland
, Wed, 25 Mar 2026MMA legend Jon Jones joins IBA Bare Knuckle as global ambassador
, Wed, 25 Mar 2026GOLDEN BOY SIGNS NEW EXCLUSIVE MULTI-YEAR PARTNERSHIP EXTENSION WITH DAZN
, Wed, 25 Mar 2026“The Takeover” Teofimo Lopez Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
, Wed, 25 Mar 2026Boxlab Promotions Fighters Shine with Statement Victories in Orlando
, Tue, 24 Mar 2026Red Owl Boxing Presents Box Fest XVII on Friday, April 3rd at The Archer Music Hall in Allentown, PA and LIVE on DAZN
, Tue, 24 Mar 2026Boxing world fans waiting Isis Sio prompty recovery; Team Isis Sio statement
By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Tue, 24 Mar 2026National Master Nika Juris Nicolas rules National Youth & Schools Chess Championships
, Tue, 24 Mar 2026SD FIGHT NIGHT: FAMILY BUSINESS DOUBLE MAIN EVENTS SET AS JULIUS “JUJU” BALLO SQAURES OFF AGAINST ROMAN REYES AT FRONTWAVE ARENA ON SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2026
, Mon, 23 Mar 2026"I'M A MAN OF MY WORD": GEORGE LIDDARD COMPLETES MATCHROOM BRENTWOOD HALF MARATHON FOR CHARITY – HOURS AFTER DENNY WIN
, Mon, 23 Mar 2026 |
|
|
|
|
|
