RUSSELL WESTBROOK’S triple-double streak ended at seven games, but he finished the night with two things that meant more to him — a win and his long-lost shooting stroke.

    Westbrook scored 23 of his 37 points in the second half to help the Oklahoma City Thunder defeat the Boston Celtics 99-96 Sunday. He had 12 rebounds but only six assists, ending the NBA’s longest triple-double run since Michael Jordan had seven straight in 1989.

    Westbrook shot just under 38 percent during the streak, and said after Friday’s loss to Houston that it bothered him. Against the Celtics, he made 14 of 26 shots and finally found his rhythm.

    “Just taking shots I wanted to take, that was the most important part,” he said. “And playing from the block. That’s the most important part. I talked to my dad this morning, and he got on me about not using that to my advantage, and I definitely tried to do more of that tonight.”

    Westbrook wasn’t worried about the streak ending.

    “Honestly, I’m just happy we won tonight,” he said. “That’s the most important thing.”

    (SD-Agencies)