Russell Westbrook made a shock return from a knee injury on Sunday night to help the Oklahoma City Thunder claim a 103-96 victory over the Phoenix Suns.

The three-time All-Star scored 21 points and provided seven assists for his teammates in a 33-minute appearance, while Kevin Durant added 33 more to earn the Thunder a win in their first game at home this season.

LeBron James and Chris Bosh shared 49 points as the Miami Heat ended a two-game losing streak by beating the Washington Wizards 103-93 at the AmericanAirlines Arena.

A dominant performance from the hosts was enough to earn their second win of the campaign as the Wizards continue to struggle.

Brandon Jennings starred for the Detroit Pistons in his first appearance of the season as his 14 points and 15 more each from both Andre Drummond and Josh Smith earned an 87-77 triumph over the Boston Celtics.

The Celtics were within two points of the Pistons late in the fourth quarter but the home team held on to condemn Brad Stevens to his third straight defeat as coach.

Jason Kidd returned from a two-game suspension to take charge of the Brooklyn Nets for the first time but he failed to inspire them to a victory over the Orlando Magic.

Magic duo Nikola Vucevic and Victor Oladipo both scored 19 points as a strong second-half display helped the hosts a convincing 107-86 success.

The New York Knicks were beaten for the first time this season as the Minnesota Timberwolves continued their unbeaten run with a 109-100 win at Madison Square Garden.

Kevin Love scored 34 points and claimed 15 rebounds, while Kevin Martin bagged 30 more as the Timberwolves ensured that they won their opening three games of the campaign for the first time in 12 years.

The Los Angeles Lakers blew a 21-point lead at the Staples Center but still managed to snatch a victory against the Atlanta Hawks.

Despite being shocked by a second-half fightback from the Hawks, Pau Gasol held his nerve to make two late free throws as the Lakers claimed a 105-103 victory.