In a high scoring, non-defensive game, the Oklahoma City Thunder eased their way to victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, 127-117, behind double-doubles from Russell Westbrook, Enes Kanter, and Steven Adams.

The Lakers came into the night without their head coach Byron Scott, who is attending funeral services for his mother. Paul Pressey took over the head coaching duties and will coach the team Wednesday night as well.

The Lakers went with a new starting unit tonight, as Jeremy Lin and Ryan Kelly were both reinstated into the lineup replacing Wayne Ellington and Jordan Hill. In fact, coach Pressey decided not to play Hill and Carlos Boozer in this one. Instead, he gave Robert Sacre 19 minutes of play time.

The Thunder went to work on the Lakers right from the opening tip. Enes Kanter was the catalyst, as he had already recorded a double-double by the end of the first quarter with 15 points and 10 rebounds, singlehandedly out-rebounding the entire Lakers team.

The Thunder shot 54 percent and put in 37 points in the first quarter, as the Lakers defense was non-existent. By halftime, Oklahoma City already owned a 15-point lead and put up a whopping 68 points. The Lakers backcourt of Lin and Jordan Clarkson combined for 30 halftime points, but the Thunder was still shooting 52 percent from the field.

The Lakers tried to rally in the third period, but seven points were the closest they got. The Thunder cruised to victory rest of the way, as they had three players score 23 points or more.

As always, Russell Westbrook led the way with 27 points, 11 assists, and two steals on 9 of 17 shooting. He was efficient tonight, committing just two turnovers. Enes Kanter had himself another monster outing, putting up 25 points, 16 rebounds, and four assists. He’s collected 53 points and 28 rebounds in the past two games.

Dion Waiters added 23 points, four rebounds, and four assists, while Steven Adams posted 16 points and 10 rebounds. The Thunder finished the game shooting 55.8 percent and out-rebounded the Lakers, 49-28. Their only problem was turnovers, as they mustered 17 of them.

Rookie Jordan Clarkson recorded a new career-high 30 points to go along with seven assists, four rebounds, and three blocks. The Lakers went 45 games without a 30-point scorer, longest in franchise history, but Clarkson put an end to that. He was also efficient from the floor, hitting 12 of his 19 attempts. Jeremy Lin followed suit with 19 points and seven assists on 6 of 11 shooting.

Ryan Kelly played a solid game as the starting four, scoring 16 points and corralling five boards. He seemed to be more comfortable playing the stretch four rather than playing small forward and having to defend quicker players on the other end of the floor. Wayne Ellington pushed in 15 points off the bench, and Ed Davis added 12 in 16 minutes.

The Lakers actually shot well from the floor, converting on 51.8 percent of their shots, but their defense was dreadful.

The Thunder needed this win, as they improved to 41-30, taking a three-game lead over the ninth seeded Phoenix Suns. The Lakers dropped to 18-51 and their ninth straight game at the Chesapeake Energy Arena, playoffs included.

The Oklahoma City Thunder have an important game coming up against the San Antonio Spurs tomorrow night, while the Los Angeles Lakers travel to Minnesota to clash against the short-handed Timberwolves.