LOS ANGELES, March 29 (UPI) -- Russell Westbrook scored 36 points Thursday and the Oklahoma City Thunder took over in the second half for a 102-93 win over the Los Angeles Lakers.
Kevin Durant finished with 21 points, 11 rebounds and five assists for the Thunder, who have won five straight to run their lead to 2 1/2 games over second-place San Antonio in the Western Conference.
The Lakers jumped out front 30-18 after one quarter but the Thunder outscored LA 34-19 in the third quarter -- and 58-44 in the second half -- to hand the Lakers their fifth loss in 25 home games this season.
Andrew Bynum led Los Angeles with 25 points and 13 rebounds, two nights after Coach Mike Brown benched him late in a victory over Golden State. Kobe Bryant scored 23 for the Lakers.
