Durant leads Thunder

Durant, the NBA's leading scorer who missed the last two games with the injury, was sharp on his comeback as the Thunder raced to an early 18-2 lead and held a 20-point advantage after three quarters.

Stephen Curry scored a season-high 39 points and Monta Ellis added 29 for the Warriors (8-12), who pulled to within three points with 23 second remaining but fell just short of a stunning rally.

Golden State exploded for 39 points in the fourth quarter to make it interesting but Oklahoma City (14-7) clinched the game at the free throw line, where they made 37 of 40 attempts including their first 29.

"It was not the way to finish but we got the win," Thunder coach Scott Brooks said.

"We wanted to play better in the fourth quarter. Giving up almost 40 points is not good basketball."

Russell Westbrook added 19 points and 13 assists, despite making just 4-of-16 shots, as the Thunder won for the third time in four games.

Westbrook had been carrying the scoring load in the absence of Durant, who also missed time earlier this season with an ankle ailment.

Golden State lost its third straight and for the eighth time in nine contests.

"We've just gotta keep executing and finish our plays," Warriors coach Keith Smart said.

"That hurt us early. (Curry) played great, he's a little beaten up right now, a little sore but he played great.