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Thunder handle Warriors on the road

Apr 12, 2013 - 6:33 AM Oakland, CA (Sports Network) - Kevin Durant scored 31 points to go along with 10 rebounds and eight assists, while Kevin Martin supplied 23 points off the bench as the Oklahoma City Thunder continued their quest for the top seed in the Western Conference with a 116-97 victory over the Golden State Warriors.

Russell Westbrook had 18 points and dished out nine helpers for the Thunder, who have won two straight and eight of the last nine meetings in the series versus Golden State.

"We knew what we were playing for," Durant said. "We know every game is important. So we were locked in from the beginning. That's what we need to do."

Serge Ibaka and Thabo Sefolosha scored 17 and 10 points, respectively, in the victory, which puts the team a half-game ahead of the idle San Antonio Spurs for the West's No. 1 seed.

Stephen Curry netted 22 points and Jarrett Jack chipped in 19 for the Warriors, who were coming off a victory over Minnesota on Tuesday to secure the franchise's first playoff appearance since 2006-07.

Golden State was also dealt a blow as center Andrew Bogut left the game in the first quarter with an apparent left ankle injury.

"We don't think it's too much," Golden State coach Mark Jackson said of Bogut. "We will find out. We'll rest it, treat it and see how he responds. We are not too concerned about it."

Following a strong third quarter which saw the visitors take control, the Thunder's lead grew to 21 points early in the fourth. Martin drilled a triple to make it 103-82 and Golden State never got closer than 17 the rest of the way.

"To perform like that on our home court is tough to swallow," Curry said.

Oklahoma City opened up the second half up six, but expanded its lead to 17 during a 22-11 surge in the third quarter.

Durant, who finished the third with 14 points, capped the run with a step-back jumper which saw the Thunder take a 82-65 cushion with 3:21 left in the quarter.

Reggie Jackson's finger roll as the buzzer sounded put Oklahoma City ahead comfortably, 96-77, entering the fourth.

Oklahoma City held a 31-27 edge after one quarter of play. Harrison Barnes, though, tied the contest with 4:04 to play in the second with a nice dunk.

Sefolosha's triple at the end of the first half gave the Thunder a 60-54 advantage at the break.

Game Notes

Oklahoma City is 13-4 in the past 17 matchups with the Warriors ... The Warriors fell to 27-13 at home this season ... David Lee added 13 points and 11 boards for the Warriors ... Golden State is a half-game ahead of Houston for the sixth spot in the West.