Russell Westbrook of Oklahoma City shoots over the defense of Orlando’s Isaiah Briscoe. | AP photo
OKLAHOMA CITY — Russell Westbrook posted his seventh straight triple-double, and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Orlando Magic 132-122 on Tuesday night (Wednesday morning, Philippine time).
Westbrook finished with 16 points, 16 assists and 15 rebounds to match the longest triple-double streak of his career. It was his 20th of the season and No. 124 for his career.
Paul George scored 39 points to help the Thunder win for the eighth time in nine games. Dennis Schroder had 20 points, and Jerami Grant had 19.
Evan Fournier scored 25 points for the Magic, and Aaron Gordon added 18 points and 10 assists.
Orlando led 69-62 at halftime behind 15 points from Gordon and 58 percent shooting as a team. George scored 18 in the first half for the Thunder.
Orlando stretched its lead to 79-67 early in the third quarter, causing the Thunder to call a timeout. Oklahoma City came back strong in a two-minute span. A lob from George to Grant for a two-handed jam cut Orlando’s lead to 81-78, and the Magic called a timeout.
Westbrook clinched his triple-double on a rebound with 3:33 left in the third quarter. His overall play sparked a 29-10 run that put the Thunder back in front for good. Oklahoma City led 98-92 at the end of the third quarter after making 15 of 24 shots in the period.
A steal and 3-pointer by Terrence Ross cut Oklahoma City’s lead to 128-122 with 31 seconds to play, but the Thunder held on.