NBA: Kevin Durant helps Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Charlotte Bobcats
A 34-point haul from Kevin Durant helped the Oklahoma City Thunder to an 89-85 victory over the Charlotte Bobcats
Last Updated: 29/12/13 8:26am
Playing without regular guard Russell Westbrook, who had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee on Friday, Durant hit 34 points and snatched 12 rebounds as they edged the Bobcats 89-85 in Charlotte.
Elsewhere, Sacramento's DeMarcus Cousins had 27 points and 17 rebounds as the Kings pulled off a surprise 108-103 overtime victory over the Miami Heat.
LeBron James surpassed Larry Bird to move into 30th in the all-time scoring list during the game but it was to no avail as the Kings notched just their ninth win of the season.
Stephen Curry had a triple-double, including a career-high 16 assists for Golden State, as they comprehensively dispatched the Phoenix Suns 115-86 at the Oracle Arena in Oakland.
P.J. Tucker had 11 points and 12 rebounds for Phoenix in what was their heaviest defeat of the season.
Misery
There was more misery for the LA Lakers as they were narrowly beaten by the Utah Jazz. Derrick Favors had 18 points and 14 rebounds, including a put-back dunk with 2.1 seconds left on the clock.
Tyreke Evans scored 19 points and made 10 assists as the New Orleans Pelicans beat Denver 105-89 to condemn the Nuggets to their fifth straight defeat.
Kevin Love had 25 points and 11 rebounds as the high-scoring Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Washington Wizards 120-98 who were beaten for the first time on the road in four games.
Toronto's Jonas Valanciunas had 16 points and a career-high 18 rebounds to help the Raptors beat the Knicks 95-93 in New York.
Orlando's Arron Afflalo netted 23 points as the Magic snapped a three-game losing streak by beating Detroit 109-92.
Shaun Livingston scored 20 points to help the Brooklyn Nets end their four-game losing streak as they beat Milwaukee 104-93.
