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Durant, Westbrook lead Thunder past Knicks

Jan 15, 2012 - 6:45 AM Oklahoma City, OK (Sports Network) - Kevin Durant scored 28 points and Russell Westbrook filled the stat sheet with 21 points, eight rebounds and eight assists, as the Thunder rolled to a 104-92 thumping of the New York Knicks.

James Harden, Oklahoma City's super sub, donated 24 points in the club's sixth straight win.

Playing without injured star Carmelo Anthony (ankle), the Knicks trailed by as many as 31 in dropping their second straight following a four-game winning streak.

Amare Stoudemire, Tyson Chandler and Toney Douglas each scored 14 points in the setback.

"We're struggling right now a little bit," Knicks head coach Mike D'Antoni said. "We just have to work through it and try to get better."

The final score made the outcome appear closer than it was, as the Thunder rested their starters over the final 12 minutes after shooting 57 percent from the field over the first three quarters.

Durant scored 12 points in the opening stanza, and the Thunder extended their 32-22 lead by hitting 15-of-22 from the field in the second frame.

Holding an 11-point lead late in the half, Oklahoma City scored 12 straight -- six coming from Harden -- to open up a 63-40 cushion.

"We came out with a lot of energy," Thunder head coach Scott Brooks said. "It was the best defense we've had all year."

It was 70-47 at halftime and the Knicks shot just 6-of-22 in the third quarter to end any chance at a comeback.

Game Notes

Bill Walker, starting place of Anthony, shot 1-for-6 from the floor for three points...Josh Harrellson netted 12 points for New York, which has lost five straight road games against the Thunder franchise.