OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) When Oklahoma City Thunder All-Stars Kevin Durant plus Russell Westbrook head to your standard to rest while in the fourth quarter, that may be usually James Harden's time to take over.
Daequan Cook proved to get the particular excellent replacement for this NBA's top-scoring along with player.
Durant obtained 32 points and also Cook possessed all 19 regarding his / her details within the fourth fraction for you to rally the particular Thunder to some 118-110 gain against the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday nighttime within their first game considering Harden procured an elbow in order to the head.
Harden wasn't able to be able to complete league-mandated exams to permit him that will returning following concussion your dog encountered any time your dog was hit from the Los Angeles Lakers' Metta World Peace , previously known as Ron Artest.
Cook broke beyond a slump to help relieve of which pain, at the very least for one game.
''He's a large aspect on our bench. Not just our bench nevertheless our whole team,'' Cook said. ''The regular guys have to be able to boost big.''
Cook started your fourth quarter using a jumper and a 3-pointer to be able to erase a four-point deficit, and also he went on that will credit score Oklahoma City's primary fourteen things in the period of time in addition to position the Thunder onward for the newbie since the first quarter.
''Fortunately together with James out, Daequan was in which guy,'' Durant said. ''He managed come as a result of regarding all of us and also create a few really big shots.''
The performance by simply Cook plus the other backups had been adequate that will influence coach Scott Brooks for you to leave his starters on that sideline in a sport with out a great deal about the line.
The Thunder usually are locked to the No. only two seedling within the Western Conference playoffs nonetheless did make certain that they may finish off in advance of Miami - that No. 2 team inside East - and would likely have home-court benefits when that star-studded NBA finals materializes.
DeMarcus Cousins led Sacramento along with 32 things after figuring out about a few working hours prior to game time frame that the league had rescinded his thirteenth specialized potent along with your dog couldn't have to provide some sort of one-game suspension.
The Kings had been without having leading scorer Marcus Thornton for that third right game with a remaining quad contusion, along with book Terrence Williams seemed to be out there sick.
Travis Outlaw transferred in the starting off lineup and also scored a season-high 20 points, surpassing 10 with regard to only that fourth time period this kind of season. Jason Thompson scored 22, Tyreke Evans acquired 18 along with Isaiah Thomas 11 because most of personal trainer Sacramento beginners strike double figures.
The young-looking Kings will attempt to prevent a finish the year with the West's most severe report while they will particular the particular Lakers on Thursday night.
''You can easily see benefit however it may not be much that you might want that will communicate about,'' Thompson said. ''You plan to be about it.''
Durant lengthy his / her guide throughout a tight NBA scoring species using the Lakers' Kobe Bryant even with relaxing available your whole next quarter. Durant, exactly who moved in the head Sunday, is averaging 27.97 points per activity for you to Bryant's 27.86 with just about every owning just one sport left.
''Hopefully it's a enjoyment one. That's just what exactly this fans want to see, I guess,'' Durant said. ''But with luck like a player, most I'm nervous concerning will be having better.''
Bryant will get the last an opportunity to shift ahead, using a new nights after Oklahoma City's regular-season finale Wednesday nighttime in opposition to Denver.
''I don't like that,'' Bryant said. ''If I did, I might have went for 50 (last week) within San Antonio. They were actively playing my family straight-up with solo coverage.''
Sacramento designed 18 of their 22 photos (82 percent) inside first one fourth and then have scored 10 on the first twelve tips within the subsequent to go up 50-37. Oklahoma City shut down to help within 59-57 by way of halftime, exclusively to give that up your 10-0 manage while in the next which pushed the guide returning out in order to 13.
Royal Ivey placed Oklahoma City ahead to remain seated having a longer jumper coming from the eventually left area with three or more moments left, plus Cook's 3-pointer within transition extended the cause 114-107 using 44.9 minutes left. Cole Aldrich click almost all three connected with his zero cost throws for you to close up it out.
Cook had made simply 11 connected with 37 game (30 percent) considering that returning from a sprained correct knee previously this month.
''DC is often a wonderful shooter although she has to remain that will rely on that shot as well as keep shooting it,'' Brooks said. ''I thought a final five and also six video games when he not so great a shot, he sort of got straight down on themselves along with was concerned with the subsequent one. If you decide to do that, you'll be able to by no means make the subsequent shot.''
Cook mentioned this individual still was not completely healthy and then has been expected what portion he is playing from right now.
''I wouldn't say to you,'' this individual said. ''But following tonight, I sense a bit better.''
NOTES: Sacramento's first-quarter snapping shots barrage was your fourth-best inside the NBA that season, as outlined by STATS LLC. Indiana journeyed 14 to get 16 (88 percent) while in the first quarter against Washington about April 4. Denver shot 84 per cent against Detroit about March 21 and Miami shot 82 percent against Milwaukee with Feb. 1. . The Kings didn't claimed consecutive game titles considering that a new three-game streak lost about March 20. . Oklahoma City is 3-0 without Harden, exactly who averages 16.8 factors - tonneaus concerning NBA reserves.
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