Oklahoma City and New Orleans came into their matchup Thursday with heavy hearts. The death of Ingrid Williams, wife of Thunder assistant coach Monty Williams affected both franchises. Monty Williams was the Pelicans head coach before being fired last season and had been like a second mother to most of the current players. However, Pelicans center Anthony Davis refused to use the tragedy as an excuse after the Thunder rolled to a 121-95 victory over New Orleans at the Chesapeake Energy Arena. "It was tough, but you have to still go out there and compete," Davis said. "That's what we tried to do tonight." Davis was one of the Pelicans players who remembered Ingrid Williams as being like a second mother when her husband coached them. "I thought about what I was going to say, but I just love coach Monty so much," Durant said. "I feel for him. And it's somebody we all love, I just don't understand." Thunder guard Russell Westbrook was one rebound shy of his ninth triple double of the season as he collected 23 points, 10 assists and nine boards. Forward Kevin Durant scored 23 points on 10 of 17 shooting from the field to go along with six assists. Forward Serge Ibaka added 18 points as the Thunder improved to 40-14. Oklahoma City heads into the All-star break as one of three teams in the Western Conference with at least 40 wins. According to Elias Sports, that is the first time in NBA history for that to happen in any conference. "I think we are great, man," Westbrook said. "Forty wins, I like where we are. Looking to come back in the second half of the season and turn it up a notch." Davis scored 23 points to lead the Pelicans, but was limited to three rebounds and no blocked shots. Guard Jrue Holiday came off the bench to post 23 points and six assists as the Pelicans fell to 20-33. "I thought we were hanging in," Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry said. "This is a real talented team. I just thought we had too many break downs defensively." The first time the Pelicans and Thunder faced-off earlier in the season, Davis was injured and Oklahoma City was able to take advantage of the all-star's absence. Davis was back in the lineup this time and made his presence felt from the opening tip. Not only was he able to score, but he opened up lanes for his teammates to get off shots. It was the Thunder bench who helped open up a double-digit lead in the second quarter, guard Anthony Morrow and forward Kyle Singler each knocked down perimeter shots when the Pelicans collapsed on Westbrook, who was attacking the basket. Oklahoma City took a 62-53 advantage into halftime. Even though Davis had a strong game scoring, the Thunder were able to contain him on the backboards. As a team, the Pelicans were outrebounded 50-31. Oklahoma City led 95-74 entering the fourth quarter, and rested its starters in the final period. "Defensively, I thought we turned our defense up in the second half, Westbrook said. "Did a great job of playing together." In Milwaukee, Khris Middleton scored 14 of his 27 points in the fourth quarter as the Bucks defeated the Washington Wizards 99-92. Forwards Jabari Parker and Giannis Antetokounmpo added 17 points each for the Bucks, and center Greg Monroe chipped in 12 points and nine rebounds. Five Washington players scored in double figures, led by the 19 points of guard Bradley Beal. John Wall added 15 for Washington while Otto Porter, Marcin Gortat and Nene scored 14 points apiece. All-Star substitutes Denver Nuggets guard Emmanuel Mudiay and Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker were named as substitutes for two of the All-Star Game warm-up events. Mudiay will replace injured defending champion Patrick Beverley in the Skills Challenge that tests dribbling, passing, shooting and agility on an obstacle course. Beverley will miss the Saturday competition with an ankle injury. Booker replaces injured Nerlens Noel of the Philadelphia 76ers in Friday's Rising Stars Challenge, which features first- and second-year players from the United States against overseas players in their rookie and sophomore seasons. — Agencies
