NBA Western Conference third leading team Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Southwest Division fifth ranked New Orleans Pelicans 121-95 at the Chesapeake Energy Arena on Thursday night as both teams played with a heavy heart following the sudden demise of Coach Monty Williams' wife.

Williams is the current assistant coach of the Thunder. He was the Pelican's head tactician last season before making a move to Oklahoma. Before the game started, a moment of silence was observed as a sign of sympathy and respect to the deceased and her family.

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During the game, the dynamic duo of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook led Oklahoma.  Durant, who is the league's third leading scorer (with 27.7 points per game), finished the evening with 23 points, 6 assists, 3 rebounds and 1 steal.

Westbrook, the NBA's leader in steals (2.3 steals per game), wrapped up the game with a double-double game performance of 23 points and 10 assists.  The seventh leading scorer of the league was only one rebound short of registering a triple-double production as he grabbed 9 rebounds as they crushed the visiting Pelicans.

Serge Ibaka added 18 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assist, 1 steal and 3 block shots, while Enes Kanter and Anthony Morrow chipped in 11 points and 10 points respectively.

With the victory, the Thunder had registered their 40^th triumph of the season with 14 losses. They are the third team in the league to reach at least 40 wins, with Golden States Warriors (48 wins) and San Antonio Spurs (45 wins).

The match had been an extra outlet for the Thunder to take flight from the emotional pain.

"Basketball, the effect it has, it allows you to forget about things a little bit, and it also brings you together as a group," the Durant said. "Thankful for that."

Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday scored 23 points apiece for the Pelicans, who will be facing the Philadelphia 76ers on February 19.

Oklahoma will host the visiting Indiana Pacer on February 19.

TagsKevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder, New Orleans Pelicans