Westbrook leads Thunder into matchup with Mavericks

Nerlens Noel has certainly given the Dallas Mavericks a lift, especially in the starting lineup.

But no one has done the job of carrying a team this season like Russell Westbrook.

The Oklahoma City superstar enters the Sunday visit at resurgent Dallas on a tear rarely scene in NBA history.

Westbrook has scored at least 40 points in four consecutive games, a streak only achieved by nine players ever and last done by Kobe Bryant in 2012.

He came one assist shy of his 31st triple-double of the season with 48 points, 17 rebounds and nine assists on Friday at Phoenix. Despite Westbrook's heroics, Oklahoma City lost 118-111 to the lottery Suns.

"It's towards the end of the season," said Westbrook, who needs one triple-double to tie Wilt Chamberlain for the second most in one NBA season. "We're fighting for spots in playoffs, different things of that nature, so we got to come out and compete."

Oklahoma City is without Victor Oladipo (back spasms) again, likely leaving rookie Alex Abrines in the starting lineup. Westbrook has taken even more responsibility than usual on his shoulder, though with mixed results.

The Thunder (35-27) are just 12-19 on the road, having lost their last six away from home. The first two losses on their current three-game road trip have come against teams (Portland and Phoenix) with losing records.

Westbrook triple-doubles have been a sign of success, with Oklahoma City going 24-6 this season when he notches one.

The Thunder do own a five-game winning streak over the Mavs, including a 109-98 win earlier this season in OKC and the last two in Dallas.

That was before the arrival of Noel. The trade-deadline acquisition made his first start with the Mavericks on Friday and looked every bit the part.

Noel tied his career high by racking up 17 rebounds to go along with 15 points and two blocks in a 104-100 win over Memphis, which currently is sixth in the Western Conference and one game ahead of Oklahoma City.

The Mavs (25-36) are 3-1 since Noel suited up.

"He is a lot further along than he was four days ago, and even two nights ago," Dallas coach Rick Carlisle said. "He had some things that he just wasn't understanding. ... He is getting there."

Noel was expected to make an immediate impact on the defensive end with his athleticism and length. His offensive repertoire remains a work in progress.

"It's growing," he said. "Once I find my spots within the offense I think I will be able to score. I'm getting more comfortable going to my left hand. Need to work on my jumper and free throws, but I just have to keep on working and I will be alright."

Carlisle hasn't decided how Wesley Matthews (hip) returning would impact the starting lineup. Matthews, expected back Sunday, has been starting at small forward.

Noel opening at center shifted Dirk Nowitzki to his natural power forward slot with Harrison Barnes sliding to small forward.

"I don't think it's a problem, I think it is a good situation," Carlisle said. "We will look at it, but I am a little concerned about running Nerlens up to 35 minutes."