It was a frustrating evening for the Oklahoma City Thunder as they were outclassed by the Memphis Grizzlies, going down 114-80, a result that ended their four-game win streak.
It was a bad all-round night for the Thunder, who lost Russell Westbrook midway through the third quarter after the superstar was ejected for picking up two quick technical fouls.
The 28-year-old picked up the technical for what he felt was an incorrect shot-clock reset on an airball. After arguing and cursing, official Brian Forte gave Westbrook a technical foul and then a second one moments after.
Westbrook was ejected without registering a single assist and he committed six turnovers, but still led the Thunder in scoring with 21 points.
Steven Adams struggled shooting - one of nine from the field for six points - but the big man pulled down a season high 15 rebounds.
Memphis centre Marc Gasol led the way for the Grizzlies, leading all scorers with 25 points, while Troy Daniels scored 22 points off the bench, shooting six from eight of his three-pointers and Zac Randolph scoring 21.
Following the game, Westbrook voiced his frustration about getting ejected and claimed he was being officiated differently.
"Honestly, I don't know, man. Honestly, it's crazy to be ejected like that, especially when I didn't do nothing," Westbrook said.
"It's just crazy, man. Especially for me, because I feel like I don't get the benefit of the doubt most of the time, especially throughout the game with refs.
"I get so many techs just for talking. I can't even say nothing when I'm getting hammered every time I go to the damn basket throughout the games and previous games.
"Not tonight, but every night - I just don't get reffed the same way as other people, and I don't appreciate it."
The Thunder will be hoping to bounce back against the Los Angeles Clippers on New Year's Day (NZ time).
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