Video: Russell Westbrook explodes for 32 points in return from hand injury
There wasn't any "easing back into it" for Russell Westbrook on Friday night.
Oklahoma City's All-Star guard posted a game-high 32 points (on 12-for-17 shooting), eight assists and seven rebounds in the Thunder's 105-78 blowout victory over the Knicks.
It was a thoroughly dominant performance from start to (early) finish, as Westbrook played just 24 minutes and rested the entire fourth quarter with Oklahoma City leading by 30-plus points at times. At the end of the first quarter, Westbrook had single-handedly outscored the Knicks 14-13.
Westbrook started and made just his third appearance of the season after breaking a bone in his right hand during a Nov. 30 loss to the Clippers. Although he wore a brace on his shooting hand, Westbrook looked confident in his jumper, knocking down seven of his 11 attempts from outside the paint. He also drove the baseline on one play, dunking hard without hesitation.
"It felt good," Westbrook said during a post-game interview. "I was able to keep my legs for the high-pace [game]. It was good to get back on the floor, get back in the groove. It felt great. ... [The win was] very important. It gives us a sense of confidence. We have to have a sense of urgency."
After advancing to the 2014 Western Conference finals, the Thunder have stumbled out of the gate without Westbrook and Kevin Durant, the league's reigning MVP. Oklahoma City went 4-10 in Westbrook's absence and currently sits five games out of the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference.
• VIDEO: Westbrook's impact on the Thunder following his return from injury
The Knicks were without All-Star forward Carmelo Anthony on Friday due to back pain. Amar'e Stoudemire scored a team-high 20 points (on 7-for-8 shooting) and grabbed nine rebounds in the loss.
Serge Ibaka chipped in 14 points and six rebounds for Oklahoma City in the win.
Oklahoma City improved to 5-12. New York fell to 4-13.
