EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Kevin Durant matched his season high with 40 points and the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated New Jersey 105-89 Monday night, sending the Nets to their 10th straight loss — their second double-digit losing streak of the season.
Former Net Nenad Krstic added 19 points and Russell Westbrook had 16 points and 10 assists as the Thunder won a season-high third straight game. Reserve Nick Collison added 11 points and 10 rebounds. Oklahoma City held the Nets to 17 points in the final 17 minutes.
Yi Jianlian matched his career high with 29 points to lead New Jersey, which set an NBA record with 18 straight losses to start the season. Courtney Lee chipped in with 17, Trenton Hassell had 14 and Devin Harris had 11 and 11 assists.
The Thunder led most of the game, but the Nets scored nine straight points midway through the third quarter and took a 72-70 lead on a 3-pointer by Lee.
Durant, who hit 15-of-22 from the field, was then fouled on a 3-point attempt by Terrence Williams and made all three shots to ignite a game-closing 35-17 spurt.
Durant and Krstic combined for the first 12 points in the run with Durant getting seven — five on free throws — and Krstic five. His 19 points were one less than his season high.
Yi, who was 10-of-16 from the field, made the Nets' only two baskets in the final 5:42 of the third quarter.
Two free throws by Westbrook gave the Thunder an 84-76 lead entering the final quarter.
A fastbreak basket by Lee closed the gap to six points but Oklahoma City scored the next 10 points with James Harden getting three and Collison and Durant exciting the crowd with big dunks.
Durant's was an eye-popping baseline drive that ended with a windmill jam. His final points of the night came after a steal and free-run for a dunk from halfcourt.
Notes
Yi's 18 first-half points were a career high for a half, one more than his previous high. … The Thunder play six of their next seven games against teams with sub .500 records. The win was the Thunder's eighth on the road this year, matching their total from last season. … Oklahoma City is 11-2 when Krstic scores in double figures. … New York Jets linebackers Bart Scott, Calvin Pace and Bryan Thomas were at the game.