OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – Russell Westbrook scored 36 points, and the Thunder beat the Portland Trail Blazers 101-90 on Monday night to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Westbrook picked up his 16th technical at Indiana on Sunday, which would have been an automatic one-game suspension. It was rescinded on Monday morning, allowing him to play in critical game for the Thunder.
Enes Kanter added 27 points and 13 rebounds for the Thunder, who would have been eliminated from the Western Conference playoff race with a loss.
Meyers Leonard scored a career-high 24 points for Portland. The Trail Blazers, who already were locked into the No. 4 spot in the West, were without injured starters LaMarcus Aldridge (left foot sprain) and Arron Afflalo (right shoulder strain).
The Thunder need a win at Minnesota and a loss by New Orleans at home against San Antonio on Wednesday to advance. Any other scenario, and New Orleans secures the No. 8 seed.