Thunder storm past Bucks, 114-101

Published Dec. 9, 2014 10:49 p.m. ET

foxsports

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Kevin Durant is taking nothing for granted these days.

The reigning MVP missed the first 17 games this season with a broken bone in his right foot, and then played three road games before making his home debut Tuesday night. He got a rousing welcome back from the crowd, and scored 23 points to help the Thunder to a 114-101 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks.

"Just to play here is a blessing," he said. "I've been saying that for a while, but to be out for so long and finally get a chance to play in front of our home crowd -- I felt good getting my name called in the starting lineup."

Durant was 7 for 11 from the field and 8 for 8 at the line. He also had nine rebounds and seven assists in 29 minutes.

Russell Westbrook scored 28 points for the Thunder, who have won five of six after starting the season with a 3-12 record.

"We're still trying to work some things out," Durant said. "You know, I'm sure a lot of people are expecting us to be back to playoff-type of basketball right now, but we're just like any other team, just trying to continue to just build and keep getting better."

O.J. Mayo had 18 points and Giannis Antetokounmpo added 17 for the Bucks, who have lost five of six.

"We let those guys get in the lane, get in our paint, and we fouled a lot tonight," Mayo said.

Durant missed his first two shots, but drained his third, a 3-pointer with 8:08 left in the first quarter. He took a break after scoring seven points in the first 4:51.

Westbrook's powerful one-handed putback on a missed 3-pointer by Reggie Jackson put the Thunder up 61-52 at halftime. Oklahoma City shot 60 percent in the second quarter after a sluggish first.

Durant gave the fans another thrill early in the fourth quarter. He pulled in a defensive rebound, brought the ball up court and then used a pick by Kendrick Perkins to get free for an easy two-handed slam that gave the Thunder a 93-82 lead.

Durant added a jumper and a no-look bounce pass to Serge Ibaka for a dunk that gave the Thunder a 103-88 lead. Durant left for good with 3:36 remaining and the Thunder holding a 109-90 lead.

"He's getting back into rhythm," Westbrook said. "He's getting back in the swing of things."