NBA Wednesday: 4 Key Things that Happened

With 11 games being played on NBA Wednesday, it can be hard to keep up with who is doing what on which team. To help you keep up, here are four key things that happened.

1. Russell Westbrook ties Career-high 45 points.

Russell Westbrook proved to Oklahoma City Thunder fans once again that he can up his game and deliver points when needed. During the game against the New Orleans Pelicans, Westbrook tied his career-high of 45 points. Westbrook, who can expect to be a part of the MVP discussions, had six rebounds, six assists, one steal and one block. Kevin Durant sat out once again due to a toe injury.

"Just trying to find a way to keep us in the game and get us a win," Westbrook said. "This was a must-win for us coming into their building. That was my only thing."

2. Stephen Curry Heats up for 51 points

The Golden State Warriors had fans scratching their heads when they started off slow against the Dallas Mavericks. With 5:39 left in the first quarter, the Warriors only had four points on the board. By the end of the first quarter, the Warriors trailed 25-42. However, no lead is safe, especially if you are playing against the Warriors.

During the third quarter, Stephen Curry heated up and scored 26 points. The Warriors went on to win it 128-114. Curry finished the night with 51 points.

"Sometimes Steph plays his best when we're down big and he just senses that he has to put the Superman cape on," Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. "And he's so good at it. He loves the freedom of being down and saying, 'All right. I'm going to let it fly and bring us back.' And that's what he did."

3. James Harden dominates without Dwight Howard

With Dwight Howard out indefinitely after receiving a bone marrow aspirate injection, the Houston Rockets' number three spot in the highly competitive Western Conference could be up for grabs. However, James Harden's offensive display during Wednesday's game against the Chicago Bulls would suggest otherwise.

Harden scored 27 points and continued to dominate despite Bulls Jimmy Butler's attempts to defend him. Harden recorded three rebounds, four assists, one steal and two blocks.

"Every night, that's our motto is to be aggressive," Harden said. "We have so many guys that can come in and play that we don't worry about getting tired."

4. Atlanta Hawks are back to winning

Although the Atlanta Hawks' franchise 19-game winning streak was snapped on Feb. 2 by the New Orleans Pelicans, their winning ways were not going to be deterred. The Hawks came out strong against the Washington Wizards, winning 105-96.

Jeff Teague led the Hawks with 26 points, two rebounds, eight assist and two steals. Wizards John Wall matched Teague throughout the night, nearly basket for basket, but it was still not enough. The loss was the Wizards' third straight one against the Hawks this season.

During that night, in an NBA first, the league announced all five Hawks starters, Teague, DeMarre Carroll, Paul Millsap, Kyle Krover and Al Horford as players of the month for January.

"It's big to get a win, get back on the winning track," Teague said. "We had a tough loss in New Orleans."