Thunder G Westbrook leaves after hurting ankle

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Thunder guard Russell Westbrook left Monday's game against the New Orleans Pelicans after coming down hard on the side of his left ankle.

A team spokesman said it was a sprain. After falling, Westbrook pounded the ground in frustration before limping off the court. The Thunder led 84-77 with 4:25 left in the third quarter when he left the game.

Westbrook missed the preseason and the first two games of the regular season after having a procedure on his right knee.

Westbrook has averaged a triple-double the past two seasons and was the league MVP in 2016-17. He entered this game averaging 25.3 points, 8.5 rebounds and 8.8 assists.