Thunder streak to 73 first-half points, avoid late-game scare

Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook Oklahoma City Thunder

Kevin Durant #35 and Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder get ready for the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on February 20, 2013 in Houston, Texas.
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Posted: 03/15/2013

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Kevin Durant scored 26 points and Russell Westbrook added 23 to help the Oklahoma City Thunder keep up their dominant play at home with a 117-104 victory over the Orlando Magic on Friday night.

The Thunder scored a season-high 73 points in the first half, shooting 64 percent from the floor and converting 18 of 22 free throws. Oklahoma City led by 27 in the second quarter before Orlando pulled to 73-56 at the break.

The Thunder led by 22 with 7 minutes to go in the third quarter before the Magic pulled within four midway through the fourth, prompting Oklahoma City coach Scott Brooks had to put his starters back on the floor.

Westbrook's third 3-pointer of the night with 2 minutes remaining helped assure the win and improve the Thunder to 30-4 at home this season.

Jameer Nelson led Orlando with 26 points, including 5-for-12 shooting on 3s.