Russell Westbrook made his triumphant return on Monday night in Sacramento. Unfortunately for the Thunder, the Kings played spoiler for the second time this season. Led by 25-points from Buddy Hield and 23 more from Iman Shumpert, the Kings hit 16 three-pointers and routinely attacked a Thunder defense that gave up their most points since November 5 — the night Westbrook went down with his left ankle sprain.
The Kings fired out of the gate, racing out to an 8-0 lead and led by as many as 19 in the first quarter. The Thunder turned it over seven times in the first and Sacramento led 37-24 after one.