Durant, Thunder beat Suns in OT

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Kevin Durant scored a season-high 44 points in his return from a six-game absence and the Oklahoma City Thunder overcame Russell Westbrook's ejection to beat the Phoenix Suns 137-134 in overtime Wednesday night.

Coming back from a sprained right ankle, Durant was 13 of 23 from the field, made 6 of 11 3-pointers and 12 of 12 free throws. He also had 10 rebounds and seven assists.

Anthony Murrow broke a tie in overtime with a four-point play, and the Thunder held on when Markieff Morris missed a potential go-ahead 3-pointer with 2.9 seconds left.

Westbrook picked up two technical fouls late in the first half. Westbrook and Suns center Alex Len and got tangled on a rebound, resulting in a brief skirmish that resulted in a flagrant foul on Len and a technical on Westbrook. After Westbrook hit two free throws, Durant and Markieff Morris were given technicals for jawing at each other.

Once play resumed, Westbrook converted a layup and was fouled, then was called for his second technical, forcing his ejection 7.8 seconds left before halftime. He had 20 points in the half.

Eric Bledsoe led the Suns with 29 points, Morris had 25 and Goran Dragic 21.

TEMPERATURES RISING

Seven technical fouls were called in the game. In addition to the five whistled in the final 30 seconds of the first half, Phoenix forward P.J. Tucker and Bledsoe picked up second-half technicals.

PAYBACK

Seldom-used guard Ish Smith scored eight points in 10 minutes in the second half for Oklahoma City. He played for the Suns last season.

TIP-INS

Suns: Phoenix has lost eight straight in Oklahoma City. Its last win at Chesapeake Energy Arena was on Dec. 19, 2010.

Thunder: This was the seventh straight season Oklahoma City has played at home on New Year's Eve. They are 6-1 in those contests. Oklahoma City hit a team-record 44 free throws in the game, missing only five.

UP NEXT

Suns: Host Philadelphia on Friday night.

Thunder: Host Washington on Friday night.