Oklahoma City Thunder News

Maurice Cheeks enjoying life with Thunder
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February 9
Oregonian
 
"Maurice Cheeks stood next to Russell Westbrook, leaned over and whispered something into Westbrook's ear. Westbrook nodded attentively before Cheeks backed away and the Thunder players resumed their practice. Cheeks, the former head coach of the Blazers, is now working as an assistant coach for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Cheeks said he is having fun working with head coach Scott Brooks and with a bunch of young players. "I'm happy doing what I'm doing. I'm working for a great coach and a great organization," Cheeks said after the Thunder's practice at the Rose Garden Monday afternoon. "The players are young and very receptive." Cheeks was hired as an assistant coach last August. Cheeks ..."
Westbrook is Player of the Week
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February 9
The Oklahoman
 
"Point guard Russell Westbrook was named NBA Western Conference Player of the Week for games played Feb. 1-7. Leading the Thunder to a 3-0 week, Westbrook averaged close to a triple double (19.7 points, 9.7 assists, 8.0 rebounds). He also averaged 3.3 steals. In Saturday's win at Golden State, Westbrook's eight steals matched the league's season high. One of nine second-year players selected to play in Friday night's rookie-sophomore game in Dallas, Westbrook is averaging 16.2 points, 5.0 rebounds and is eighth in the league in assists (7.5). "He has a very competitive streak in him," said Thunder coach Scott Brooks. "He's a proud athlete. He's only going to continue to get better.""
Thunder pushes win streak to 5
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February 8
The Oklahoman
 
"Super Bowl Sunday provided another opportunity to examine the Thunder's surprising turnaround. The Thunder defeated Golden State 104-95 Saturday night at Oracle Arena to run its winning streak to five. Last season Oklahoma City was 11-37 on Super Bowl Sunday following an overtime loss in Sacramento one hour before the Steelers and Cardinals kicked off. A year later, the Thunder was 29-21 hours before Peyton Manning and the Colts faced Drew Brees and the Saints. "It's been a lot better but we don't sit around spending a lot of thinking or talking about it," said Nick Collison. "We really don't want to talk too much about it. We just want to keep it going." Still, the differences between the ..."
Kevin Durant's streak continues
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February 8
The Oklahoman
 
"Midway through the third quarter Saturday night, Kevin Durant had scored "only" 13 points. His streak of consecutive 25-point games was in jeopardy. Durant got hot late in the third quarter to finish with 29. "The streak isn't important," said coach Scott Brooks. "Kevin hasn't mentioned it one time. We want him to take good shots. If he ends up with 25 good shots, that's great. If he only ends up with 14 good shots, that's great. He's shooting a good percentage because he's getting good shots and not searching for shots." Durant has scored 25 or more points in 24 consecutive games, the longest streak since Allen Iverson had 27 in a row nine years ago. Michael Jordan (40 consecutive games) ..."
The real test lies ahead
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February 8
The Oklahoman
 
"If this playoff run feels familiar, it's because many of you might remember traveling down this road before. Flashback to the 2005-06 NBA season. In their first of two seasons in Oklahoma City, the New Orleans Hornets made a nearly identical run toward the postseason. The Hornets were coming off 18 wins and again were expected to be a league doormat. Instead, they made an improbable push much like the Thunder has done this season after last year's 23-win campaign. Thunder fans, however, can only hope the rest of the story doesn't play out in similar fashion. The Hornets ultimately stumbled in the stretch run and missed the playoffs. It's a challenge every team is confronted with but one ..."
Westbrook nearly has quadruple-double in win
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February 8
The Oklahoman
 
"Triple-doubles are special. Quadruple-doubles are rare. Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook, right, finished Saturday's win over Golden State with 21 points, 10 assists, eight steals and seven rebounds. AP PHOTO Multimedia Photoview all photos NewsOK Related Articles * Thunder notebook: Kevin Durant's streak continues 02/08/2010 Durant's streak continues Midway through the third quarter Saturday night, Kevin Durant had scored "only" 13 points. His streak of... * Thunder pushes win streak to 5 02/08/2010 OAKLAND, Calif. — Super Bowl Sunday provided another opportunity to examine the Thunder's surprising turnaround. The Thunder defeated Golden... * Thunder Insider: ..."
How high can Kevin Durant go?
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February 7
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"Because he averaged 32.1 points in January, and is averaging close to 30 points a game at age 21, Kevin Durant was asked how high his average might be five years from now. "I wish I could (tell you)," Durant said. "Only God knows what the future holds. I've just got to continue to get better. The only thing I can control is how hard I work and how hard this team works. Since I'm kind of the leader I lead by working hard each day." When a reporter suggested Durant could maybe average 35.0 points at age 27, Durant scoffed."
Thunder rookies play key roles
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February 7
The Oklahoman
 
"Every so often, Oklahoma City Thunder coach Scott Brooks admits to being uncertain how or why one of his decisions works out. Playing three rookies major minutes this season has fallen into that category. "Either I'm a genius or I'm crazy," Brooks said. "I don't know which one." The Thunder entered Saturday's game at Golden State with a 28-21 record, so you be the judge. The trio of James Harden, Eric Maynor and Serge Ibaka has been instrumental in that mark, contributing crunch-time minutes generally reserved for grizzled veterans. Sacramento, with dazzling rookie Tyreke Evans and role players Omri Casspi and Jon Brockman, is the only team that has a group of rookies averaging more ..."
Kevin Durant scores 29, Thunder beats Warriors
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February 7
The Oklahoman
 
"Kevin Durant scored 29 points, Russell Westbrook added 21, and the Oklahoma City Thunder won their fifth straight, beating the Golden State Warriors 104-95 Saturday night. Jeff Green had 18 points for the Thunder, who matched their best winning streak this season. Westbrook added 10 assists, a career-high eight steals and seven rebounds."
Is Kevin Durant this years MVP?
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February 6
The Oklahoman
 
"In only his third NBA season, he's earned his first All-Star selection, has his team on the cusp of an improbable postseason berth and could take home the league scoring title. Can Kevin Durant cap it off by winning the Most Valuable Player award?The question might sound outlandish, but the Thunder's star forward has now thrust himself into the discussion with his breakout season.All signs suggest Durant likely will finish in the top five in voting for the league's top regular-season individual honor. At 21, he'd become the youngest player to finish in the top five since a 21-year-old Tracy McGrady came in fourth in 2001-02 with Orlando.Entering Friday's games, Durant was tied with ..."
Thunder notebook: Kevin Durant has shot at scoring lead
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February 6
The Oklahoman
 
"Kevin Durant is tied with Denver's Carmelo Anthony for the league scoring lead (29.7), although Anthony technically leads by percentage points. Considering Durant scored a season-high 45 points in a win over Golden State last Sunday, Durant has a chance to officially take the lead tonight when the Thunder take on the Warriors again. If Durant scores 32 or more points he officially passes Anthony. If he scores between 33 and 37 points tonight, his average improves to 29.8.SHOOTING THE LIGHTS OUT The Thunder shot a season-best 57.5 percent Wednesday night in New Orleans. Riding a four-game winning streak, the Thunder has averaged 105.5 points, shooting 51.4 percent the last four games. OKC ..."
Serge Ibaka making impact in fourth quarter
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February 5
The Oklahoman
 
"Oklahoma City coach Scott Brooks isn't sure whether Serge Ibaka knows the gravity of his fourth-quarter contributions. "If he doesn't, make sure no one tells him," Brooks said. Don't bother. Turns out the Thunder's rookie big man is well aware of his impact late in games. After stringing together another solid fourth quarter Wednesday at New Orleans, Ibaka said he's gaining more confidence and becoming more comfortable contributing down the stretch. "The last minute is very important for the team," Ibaka said. "So it's better for me to give more focus to my job, protect the paint, rebound, screens. That's important." Against the Hornets, Ibaka scored six points with eight rebounds, two ..."
Thunder rebounding as a team
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February 5
The Oklahoman
 
"Only two teams have surrendered more offensive rebounds than the Thunder. Only three teams' leading rebounder averages fewer boards than Kevin Durant's team-high 7.3 per game. That's why it's shocking to some that Oklahoma City ranks fourth in the league in rebounding margin, sixth in total rebounds. So what's the Thunder's secret? Everyone contributes. Led by the best rebounding guard tandem in the league — Russell Westbrook and Thabo Sefolosha — Oklahoma City is the only team that has seven players averaging close to 5.0 rebounds a game. Oklahoma City might not have a Dwight Howard, Tim Duncan or Zach Randolph to dominate the boards. But with everyone chipping in, the Thunder is among ..."
New Orleans Hornets lose third consecutive home game
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February 4
New Orleans Times-Picayune
 
"The New Orleans Hornets' James Posey is accustomed to playing on the wing to get after small forwards with his pressure defense. But he had a dual job Wednesday night with All-Star point guard Chris Paul scheduled for knee surgery today. With the Hornets in transition until Paul returns, Posey spent substantial time in the backcourt catching passes and initiating the offense when either point guard Darren Collison or shooting guard Marcus Thornton ran into problems. Despite the effort, Posey could not save the Hornets from losing their third consecutive game at the New Orleans Arena 103-99 to the Oklahoma City Thunder in front of 12,884. The loss snapped the Hornets' 10-game winning streak ..."
KD will be assistant coach for Rookie Challenge
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February 4
The Oklahoman
 
"Kevin Durant's All-Star weekend is getting busier by the day. The Thunder forward, who was named to his first NBA All-Star team last Thursday, has been named an assistant coach for the Rookie team in this year's Rookie Challenge. Last year, Durant set a scoring record with 46 points as his Sophomore team beat the Rookies. "It should be fun," Durant said. "It's my coaching debut. The rookies haven't won in a while. Hopefully, I can help lead them to victory." Durant will coach teammate James Harden and coach against second-year guard Russell Westbrook. When asked what his scouting report on Westbrook is, who sat three feet away inside the visitor's locker room at New Orleans Arena before ..."
Russell Westbrook keeps Thunder rolling
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February 4
The Oklahoman
 
"Russell Westbrook needed only a brief moment to reflect on his days at UCLA before feeling good enough to respond to the inquiry. And by the time he cleared his throat, it was clear he wasn't about to admit that former mentor Darren Collison got the best of him during his early days on campus. "I wouldn't say that because I definitely didn't back down," Westbrook said. "But he definitely wasn't an easy task." On Wednesday, 3½ years after their first encounter, the teacher found out just how much the pupil has matured. Westbrook flirted with a triple-double for the second straight night to lead the Thunder to a 103-99 win over the Hornets before an announced crowd of 12,884 at the New ..."
Mathematically, Carmelo has slight edge on Durant
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February 3
The Oklahoman
 
"By scoring 33 points, Kevin Durant has tied Denver's Carmelo Anthony for the league scoring lead. Mathematically, Anthony still leads by percentage points. Both are averaging 29.7 points per game. "I won't be surprised at all if he passes him," said Thunder teammate Russell Westbrook. "It shows his progression as a player. He's doing a great job. He passes when he needs to pass and scores when he needs to score." STARTING/FINISHING FIVE For one of the few times all season, the Thunder's starting five finished a game. With Joe Johnson scoring a game-high 37 points, scoring at will, the game tied at 89-89, OKC coach Scott Brooks inserted defensive stopper Thabo Sefolosha and starting center ..."
Russell Westbrook nearly has triple-double
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February 3
The Oklahoman
 
"Saddled with two fouls early in the game, Russell Westbrook sat much of the first quarter. When he returned he was as aggressive as ever. Thunder coach Scott Brooks said it was a positive sign his second-year point guard overcame the early fouls to almost post a triple double in the Thunder's 106-99 win over the Atlanta Hawks Tuesday night at the Ford Center. "He didn't get frustrated," Brooks said. "He came back in and he still was aggressive on both ends. Defensively, he was really active. A lot of times a younger player, when they get the two quick ones, they don't want to get the third one. But he still played good, smart, aggressive basketball." Westbrook finished with 12 points, nine ..."
Mr. Clutch? Durant's late passes carry OKC past Hawks
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February 3
The Oklahoman
 
"The payoff for Kevin Durant came on two plays, a discreet set of decisions that validated the scores of simulated situationals, the endless post-practice repetitions and, at times, his expletive-laced frustration. While we wait on the Thunder's star forward to consistently make the big shot, Durant showed Tuesday night that he's capable and more than comfortable in making the right play. Without Durant's 33-point, 11-rebound performance against Atlanta, the Thunder wouldn't have been in the game. But had it not been for Durant's three assists, the last pair on back-to-back possessions inside the final two minutes, the Thunder possibly fails to escape with a 106-99 win. On this night, those ..."
Thunder soaring like a Hawk
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February 3
The Oklahoman
 columnist Berry Tramel
"Joe Johnson hit a 3-pointer, Mike Bibby hit another 23 seconds later and gone was the Thunder lead, which once stood at 13 points. Gone, too, was the Ford Center revelry in anticipation that the Thunder would win this Tuesday night battle of fast-rising NBA teams. "If the building was a little nervous, the coach on the floor was just as nervous," said Thunder skipper Scott Brooks, who called timeout with 5:50 left in a tie game. But the Thunder awakens this morning again above the playoff line, in eighth place in the Western Conference, and back to a season-best six games above .500 in this who-saw-it-coming season. The Boomers beat Atlanta 106-99 with frenetic defense and precision ..."
MVP chants
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February 2
The Oklahoman
 
"When he stepped to the line for two free throws in the waning seconds of Sunday night's win, hearing fans chant: "M-V-P!, M-V-P!" Kevin Durant broke into an ear-to-ear smile. "I couldn't hold it in," Durant said. "This last week has been crazy for me. Being an All-Star and hearing M-V-P chants. It doesn't get any better than that. It felt good, especially us winning that game. The fans have been great to us." SCOUTING ATLANTA The Hawks have one of the most potent lineups in the league, led by All-Star Joe Johnson and the inside tandem of Josh Smith and Al Horford. Veteran point guard Mike Bibby is complemented by Jamal Crawford, a candidate for Sixth Man of the Year who is averaging 17.7 ..."
January in review: 2010 a winner so far
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February 2
The Oklahoman
 
"The Thunder's record in January was similar to cars in Oklahoma that spun their wheels during recent winter storms. The team avoided careening off the road — but it didn't gain much traction in the NBA playoff race. Still, posting an 8-7 record in January was the first time since 2005 the organization has posted back-to-back winning months. The 2005 season is also the last time the franchise reached the playoffs. "Overall, I thought we played pretty good basketball," said Oklahoma City's Nick Collison, a rookie on that 2004-05 team, when it was located in Seattle. "We've been pretty consistent most of the year. But it would have been nice to get a couple of those close ones." It was a ..."
Desmond Mason attends game; Thabo Sefolosha has big game
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February 1
The Oklahoman
 
"Desmond Mason, who played for Oklahoma State, the Hornets and the Thunder, attended Sunday's game. Mason lives in Portland but flew to Oklahoma to see friends, discuss some business options and watch tonight's Texas game at Gallagher-Iba Arena. Waived early in the season by Sacramento, Mason was asked if he's retired. "Maybe. I haven't made a final decision, yet, but I'm kind of leaning," Mason said. "I'm enjoying my family. I keep myself busy. I'm working on some (projects)." Mason, who talked with Thunder general manager Sam Presti, isn't surprised by Oklahoma City's success."
OKC plenty of trade options
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February 1
The Oklahoman
 columnist Darnell Mayberry
"The 10-man core that Thunder general manager Sam Presti has finally settled on has made it more difficult to discern what Oklahoma City might do at this year's trade deadline. Unlike last season, when the majority of the roster could be considered available, only veterans Etan Thomas and Kevin Ollie needn't be in any long-term conversation. Upgrades are starting to squeeze injured second-year players D.J. White and Kyle Weaver out of the mix. But it might be too early for Presti to include one or both of those promising young pieces in a package. Presti's public motto of exploring all opportunities to improve the team is no different than any other GM's around this time of the year. But ..."
Standings change nightly in wild, wild Western Conference
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February 1
The Oklahoman
 columnist Berry Tramel
"They say they don't look much at the standings, these Oklahoma City ballplayers who are making the NBA rethink its idea of rebuilding. Maybe they're shooting straight with us, which is what they did Sunday night against the Warriors, winning 112-104 via 51.3 percent shooting. Guys this young, most of who never have been in a playoff race, might think the postseason is reached by automatic qualifiers and at-large selections. "Ain't too much to worry about right now," said Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook. "I don't think it's important." Maybe not important. Not yet anyway. But entertaining. Wildly entertaining. Skip the daily standings, and you're missing quite a show. The Western ..."
Kevin Durant lays 45 points on Warriors
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February 1
The Oklahoman
 
"The Thunder didn't win the way coach Scott Brooks drew up the game plan Sunday night at the Ford Center. But one byproduct from the Thunder's 112-104 shootout win over the Golden State Warriors was that Kevin Durant scored 45 points to pass LeBron James in what is becoming an interesting race for the NBA scoring title. An announced crowd of 17,565 got a little antsy when a 15-point lead all but evaporated. But when the smoke cleared, Oklahoma City had a win. And Durant is close to leading the league in scoring. The NBA's scoring leader chart now reads: Carmelo Anthony (29.7), Durant (29.6) and James (29.4). Posting one of the best shooting percentages in franchise history, Durant drained ..."
When one team owns another
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January 31
The Oklahoman
 
"A win over the Hornets this week would do more than improve the Thunder's position in the standings. Besides notching a win over a team they're battling for a playoff spot, the organization can end a lengthy drought Wednesday night in New Orleans. Fourteen current head-to-head series feature one team riding a winning streak of 10 games or longer. The Thunder/Sonics have three of the league's longest losing streaks (see chart). Most streaks aren't a surprise. But one lopsided series is a shocker. It even requires an asterisk. The Miami Heat hasn't defeated the Dallas Mavericks in seven years. In the regular season. That's where the asterisk is needed. Dallas has won 11 consecutive ..."
Waiting for the bombs to fall: Before reaching the NBA, Nenad Krstic survived a war
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January 31
The Oklahoman
 
"Nenad Krstic still lifts his eyes to the sky when he thinks about the bombs. He was a teenager when war came to his Serbian homeland. Ethnic disputes, long a problem in what was once known as Yugoslavia, had again turned ugly, bloody and deadly. International forces stepped in, and shells rained down. "Every single day," the Thunder center said, "you heard the sirens." They wailed every day for 75 days. "You'd try to hide," he said, "but then ... you stop caring. You can't really care anymore. You become a little bit crazy about everything." He paused, seeing who knows what in his mind's eye. "It's hard." Moving away from home to play basketball at age 16? Getting drafted by the NBA and ..."
Oklahoma City Cools off Denver
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January 30
InDenverTimes.com
 
"Call it a "heat check". The Denver Nuggets snapped their eight game winning streak in an ice cold Oklahoma City. During one of the city's worst snow/ice storms in history, Oklahoma City was able to cool off the red hot Denver Nuggets. Oklahoma City won 101-84. Denver was out of sync and rhythm almost the majority of the game, except for a few spotty minutes here and there. With critics swirling as the trade deadline approaches, JR Smith was able to find his shot once again. He was 5-10 from behind the arc and seemed to have his swagger back. Unfortunately he will not be able to silence his critics as his good shooting game was mirrored by sloppy, thoughtless play. With seconds ..."
OKC needs both offense and defense
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January 30
The Oklahoman
 
"For all the buzz surrounding the Thunder's vastly improved defense, they're going to need their offense to be more consistent if they're to remain in the NBA playoff chase all season. Defense has been the catalyst to a dramatic turnaround. Defense once again was pivotal Friday night in a 101-84 win over Denver as an estimated 10,000 fans at the Ford Center braved icy road conditions.But the Thunder also needs consistent offensive production other than All-Star forward Kevin Durant routinely scoring 30 points."It's a matter of making shots when we're open," Durant said. "Tonight, we also cut hard (off screens) and passed the ball well. If we continue to pass the ball to each other, and also ..."
Kevin Durant's receives congrats
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January 30
The Oklahoman
 
"Kevin Durant received 10 congratulatory text messages two minutes after it was announced he's an NBA All-Star for the first time. E-mails and text messages continued to pour in the next 24 hours. "Knowing I'll have OKC on the back of the jersey is something I'm looking forward to," Durant said. "And just to see 80,000 fans, especially from the state of Texas, is what I'm looking forward to the most."DECENT CROWD Officially a sellout, an estimated 10,000 fans braved slick road conditions to attend Friday night's game vs. Denver. Unlike two previous times when inclement weather has affected a Ford Center NBA game, team officials couldn't invite all people in the upper deck to move down. ..."
Thunder gets back on track with win over Denver Nuggets
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January 30
The Oklahoman
 
"With Carmelo Anthony in street clothes, Oklahoma City found that the Denver Nuggets are not quite the same nagging nemesis. And that was just fine by the Thunder.While the NBA's second-best scorer nursed an ankle injury, the Thunder cruised to a 101-84 win before a sparse but spirited crowd that braved a winter storm to cheer on the home team inside the Ford Center.But even Anthony, who twice broke Thunder fans' hearts a year ago with game-winners, might not have been much help to the Nuggets on this night. The Thunder assembled a rare collective effort in which players carried out their assignments to near perfection.Ball movement was crisp. Mistakes were few. Players made hard cuts ..."
Storm stifles OKC attendance
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January 30
Denver Post
 
"An ice storm that moved through Oklahoma on Thursday and turned into snow Friday kept attendance at Friday's game down. The game was officially a sellout, but large groups of seats were left empty, making the Ford Center a quieter place than normal. Still, an estimated crowd of more than 10,000 braved the elements. The storm also extended the Nuggets' stay in Oklahoma. The team left Houston on Wednesday night to beat the storm, then had to stay overnight in Oklahoma City, with a planned shootaround this morning here before leaving for Sunday morning's game in San Antonio around 1 p.m. "This is not considered a storm in Denver," Karl said. "It's a dusting in Denver.""
Nuggets go stale in Oklahoma City
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January 30
Denver Post
 
"In their last two trips to Oklahoma City, the Nuggets needed Carmelo Anthony to hit a game-winning shot in the final seconds. Friday at the Ford Center, Anthony missed his third consecutive game and the Nuggets needed far more than a last-ditch shot, as the Thunder snapped the Nuggets' eight-game winning streak with a 101-84 win. The loss was just the Nuggets' second by more than 12 points this season and their lowest scoring output of the season. "It's the first really stale performance that we've had in a long time," Nuggets coach George Karl said. "We've been in every game we've played in all year, and tonight that wasn't the case.""
Carmelo Anthony misses third straight game, Nuggets fall in his absence
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January 30
Denver Post
 
"In their last two trips to Oklahoma City, the Nuggets needed Carmelo Anthony to hit a game-winning shot in the final seconds. Friday at the Ford Center, Anthony missed his third consecutive game and the Nuggets needed far more than a last-ditch shot, as the Thunder snapped the Nuggets' eight-game winning streak with a 101-84 win. The loss was just the Nuggets' second by more than 12 points this season and their lowest scoring output of the season. "It's the first really stale performance that we've had in a long time," Nuggets coach George Karl said. "We've been in every game we've played in all year, and tonight that wasn't the case." Karl said he would likely find out today whether ..."
Big game vs. Nuggets?
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January 29
The Oklahoman
 
"There are mixed feelings in the Thunder locker room on the importance of tonight's game. Coach Scott Brooks and a couple of players said it's merely one of 82 games. Others said a three-game losing streak adds importance. "Yeah it does, especially since we lost those two by one point." said Kevin Durant. "That was kind of tough. Then we lose at home, which is tough as well. We don't want to make it four in a row." The three-game skid matches the longest all season. "You lose two or three in a row you definitely want to get a win to stop the bleeding," said Nick Collison. "Denver is a really good team, top in our division. It's a big game for us." Said Jeff Green: "It's important for us. ..."
It's no joke, Kevin Durant's an All-Star
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January 29
The Oklahoman
 
"Leave it to the "Round Mound of Sound" to pester Kevin Durant on one of the biggest days of his professional career. Shortly after announcing Durant as a first-time All-Star on Thursday night, Hall of Famer Charles Barkley engaged the Thunder forward in some good-natured ribbing via a televised phone interview from the TNT studio in Atlanta. "Kevin, in fairness, we didn't want to break your heart on TV," Barkley started. "You've been punk'd. You didn't really make the team." Replied Durant, over a sea of laughter from the studio, "That's messed up, man." Chalk it up to rookie hazing. Durant's selection to the Western Conference squad marks the first time Oklahoma City has ever had an ..."
The making of an All-Star
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January 29
The Oklahoman
 
"All the little boy wanted was to be the best in his neighborhood. That was his dream. A pristine purpose aimed at satisfying the kid's newest passion, not spawn the pursuit of college recruiters and NBA riches. For an 8-year-old Kevin Durant, that meant conquering the competition at Seat Pleasant Recreation Center, the one-story, brown-brick building just across the Anacostia River in suburban Washington, D.C., that became the base for everything the boy would achieve. Before Durant blossomed into the nation's No. 2 high school prospect, the 2007 National College Player of the Year, the 2008 NBA Rookie of the Year and now a first-time All-Star, his basketball journey began with a daily ..."
Nuggets just miss dangerous ice storm in Oklahoma City
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January 28
Denver Post
 
"The Nuggets slipped into Oklahoma City on Thursday just ahead of a terrible ice storm that is crippling the city today. Yet, as far-fetched as it may sound, there is a watch on the game itself. Meteorologists in Oklahoma City have described this storm — which has brought freezing rain and expected snow as much as six inches — as potentially one of the worst the area has seen. The biggest issue is the availability of each team, but with the Nuggets already in town, that's a large problem avoided. Referees have to make it into town as well, and arena personnel must get to the Ford Center. The game isn't until tomorrow night at 7 p.m. local, 6 p.m. mountain time, so there could be time for ..."
Thunder forward Kevin Durant will be an All-Star
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January 28
The Oklahoman
 
"Thunder forward Kevin Durant will be an All-Star for the first time, according to a report by Yahoo Sports. "Kevin has earned it doing it the right way," said Thunder coach Scott Brooks. "He's worked extremely hard even after our shootarounds and practices. He puts in a lot of effort. He's a team guy. It would be a great honor for him and our team." Durant is third in the league in scoring (29.3) behind Carmelo Anthony (29.7) and LeBron James (29.6). The 2008 Rookie of the Year, Durant leads the Thunder in scoring, rebounds (7.3), steals (1.4) and blocks (0.9). "My brother told me (Sunday) if we're watching the show and we see my name as a reserve we're going to pop the apple cider and run ..."
James Harden, Russell Westbrook looking forward to trash talk in Rookie-Sophomore game
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January 28
The Oklahoman
 
"James Harden, one of nine rookies selected for the Rookie-Sophomore Game Feb. 12 in Dallas, will be playing against Thunder teammate Russell Westbrook, one of nine second-year players selected. "Talking trash, just having fun and competing, that's what brings us closer (as a team)," Harden said, smiling. "(The rookies) will definitely win." It's not a Joe Namath Super Bowl III-like upset prediction. But the sophomores have won seven consecutive games. Kevin Durant scored 46 points to lead the sophomores to a 122-116 win last year in Phoenix."
Seldom is there a must-win game for Thunder
Comment
January 28
The Oklahoman
 columnist John Rohde
"In his 114 games as the Thunder's head coach, Scott Brooks insists he has not once used the phrase "must win." He didn't consider Wednesday night's 96-86 loss to Chicago in the Ford Center a must win. Brooks is right to refrain from using the phrase. Technically, only elimination games are must wins. When there's a chance for no tomorrow, that's a must win. Game 7s are a must win for both teams. In its 1½-year existence, the Thunder has had zero must-win games. The Thunder was mathematically eliminated from last year's NBA playoff race somewhere around Feb. 24. When a team finishes 23-59 and 25 games out of the playoffs, they become "please-win" games more than "must-win" games."
Thunder in 3-game skid; Will they step up?
Comment
January 28
The Oklahoman
 
"Maybe it was the recent string of close losses that still sits fresh in the minds of Thunder players, or perhaps they took solace in a second-half shooting display that, however ridiculous, can always be written off as a rarity. Whatever the reason, the Thunder didn't appear overly concerned following its 96-86 loss to Chicago on Wednesday night at the Ford Center. But soon, that stance will prove to be either incredibly smart or incredibly short-sighted. For a team suddenly thrust into an unexpected playoff race, performances like Wednesday night needn't be the norm. It's possible the Thunder simply shakes off this most recent setback and picks up the pieces against Denver on Friday."
Chicago storms past Thunder
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January 28
The Oklahoman
 
"The backbone of the Thunder's success backfired in a big way against Chicago on Wednesday night. The Bulls beat up the Thunder in the fourth quarter and stole a 96-86 win at the Ford Center. Chicago made things ugly by using the same air-tight defensive effort down the stretch that helped Oklahoma City steal a victory in Chicago earlier this month. The Bulls forced the Thunder to miss its first 14 shots in the fourth period and joyfully walked off the court after holding Oklahoma City to 4-for-21 shooting in the final frame. The Thunder didn't sink its first basket until Kevin Durant buried a baseline jumper with 3:59 left to play. By that point it was far too late."
Bulls win fourth straight road game
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January 28
Chicago Tribune
 
"Brad Miller moved toward the Bulls bench with all four limbs seeming to act independently, herking and jerking everywhere. It was a moment of celebratory dance improvisation that looked more like someone drowning in a moat. Miller's teammates, however, betrayed no signs that they were impressed with themselves at this fourth-quarter timeout at the Ford Center. It was all blank stares and no smiles. It was a group that saw an improbable fourth straight road victory somehow as an entirely reasonable outcome. And the eventual 96-86 triumph Wednesday night over the Thunder was no random happenstance, not with a defensive lockdown to start the fourth quarter and more assassin-like plays from ..."
Oklahoma City's Westbrook, Harden named to NBA Rookie Challenge
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January 27
The Oklahoman
 
"Oklahoma City teammates Russell Westbrook and James Harden will face each other in the T-Mobile Rookie Challenge & Youth Jam to be held on Friday, Feb. 12 in Dallas during NBA All-Star 2010. The participants in the T-Mobile Rookie Challenge & Youth Jam were selected by the NBA’s assistant coaches, with each team submitting one ballot. Westbrook joins 2009 Rookie of the Year Derrick Rose of Chicago on the Sophomore team. Other players on that team are Miami Heat forward Michael Beasley, Los Angeles Clippers guard Eric Gordon, Minnesota Timberwolves forward/center Kevin Love, New Jersey Nets center Brook Lopez, New York Knicks forward Danilo Gallinari and a pair of teammates from the Memphis ..."
Red hot Bulls
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January 27
The Oklahoman
 
"Chicago is riding a three-game winning streak, posting wins at Phoenix, Houston and San Antonio. Derrick Rose averaged 26.3 points in the three road wins. "Those are not easy places to win, and they did it in convincing fashion," said Thunder coach Scott Brooks. "(Rose) is playing well. He's as good a point guard as there is in this league regardless of how young he is. He had a slow start because of his injury." Three straight wins reversed an early trend for the Bulls, who were 4-15 on the road before last weekend. One pivotal matchup is Joakim Noah, second in the NBA in rebounds (12.1). In the first meeting — a 98-85 Thunder win — OKC dominated the third quarter (32-14) when Noah was in ..."
Ron Adams changes Thunder defense
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January 27
The Oklahoman
 
"The man credited for changing the culture of the Thunder is only part coach. Listen to Ron Adams assess Oklahoma City's progression for 20 minutes, and it becomes crystal clear that the assistant coach also carries a combination of motivator and philosopher. Collectively, it has combined to form the catalyst for the league's biggest defensive turnabout. "He's turned our heads and made (us) focus on the defensive side," said Jeff Green. Strangely enough, the how isn't so sophisticated. We're talking about a guy who star forward Kevin Durant claimed has sparked his individual defensive surge this season through scare tactics more than strategic technique. "He believes in effort," said ..."
Apple cider celebration for Kevin Durant?
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January 26
The Oklahoman
 
"With the announcement just two days away for Western Conference reserves, Kevin Durant said he's trying not to think about whether he might be named an All-Star. "Now that it's getting closer and closer, it would be a dream come true," Durant said. "My brother told me (Sunday) if we're watching the show, and we see my name as a reserve we're going to pop the apple cider and run around the room and celebrate. Growing up, watching All-Star Games, seeing all the great players, if I am selected it would be the ultimate blessing." Is there something in the apple cider? "No," Durant said. "That's all it is. It's apples." Since the game is being played in Dallas, Durant said it would be a ..."
What's wrong with Jeff Green?
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January 26
The Oklahoman
 
"Precisely 24 minutes after the Thunder's 100-99 loss at Cleveland on Saturday, Jeff Green posted a four-word message on Twitter that told the story of his 2009-10 season. "Trying to have patience..." Green wrote. The ellipses served as a fitting subliminal inclusion that confirms Green's story is to be continued. Green, the fifth overall pick in 2007, is struggling through a season-long slump that he can't seem to find a way out of. His points, rebounds, assists and shooting percentages from the field, 3-point line and foul line are all down from a year ago. Green's 12.7-point average this month is his lowest in a month since February of his rookie season in 2008. But it was the Cavs game ..."