Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

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November 20

Washington Times

"No one in the Washington Wizards' locker room is calling Wednesday's 108-91 triumph over the Cleveland Cavaliers a signature win. The team is simply hoping the performance, which snapped a six-game losing streak and marked the season debut of forward Antawn Jamison, can serve as a building block for a turnaround in what has been a trying month. "Right now it's a win, but it's a win against a team we've been battling," said Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas, who has struggled for the most part during his team's 3-7 start. "It may have been ugly early in the game, but we always play well here against them. We'll take this win and keep moving on. We've got about five more games in this month, and ..."

Kevin Durant held to 12 points

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November 19

The Oklahoman

"Kevin Durant finished with a season-low 12 points, which ended a recent surge that had media asking if he could win the NBA scoring title this season. "I doubt it. There are too many good scorers in the league," Durant said. "That's not what I'm focused on is getting a scoring title. "You have guys like LeBron (James) and D-Wade, Kevin Martin, Carmelo (Anthony) and Kobe Bryant. I'm nowhere near that company. I'm just trying to do what I need to do for Oklahoma City." BROOKS GETS A TECHNICAL Upset his team was getting dominated from the opening tip, Thunder coach Scott Brooks ran onto the court to protest an apparent non-call on Durant with 7:08 left in third quarter. It's only the second ..."

Thunder runs into a big roadblock against Magic

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November 19

The Oklahoman

"If you told coach Scott Brooks before the season that the Thunder would go 3-3 over a six-game, nine-day, road-heavy gauntlet, he probably would have been happy. The only problem is the finale — 108-94 loss to the Magic on Wednesday — was the Thunder's worst performance all season. And it came at the end of a grueling stretch of games. Playing role reversal, the Magic on Wednesday night at Amway Arena, looked a lot like the Thunder did 10 days ago in the Ford Center. The score was so lopsided that neither coach played their starters in the fourth quarter in what turned into a glorified preseason game. Fresh off Tuesday night's big win in Miami, the Thunder was manhandled from the start. "I ..."

Orlando Magic get revenge on Thunder with blowout win

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November 19

Orlando Sentinel

"The play of the night epitomized the Orlando Magic's energy, effort and economy of movement against a rising team that's Thunder the radar. It began against Oklahoma City in the opening quarter with a save by Vince Carter, who flipped the ball to Jason Williams, who was ready to run his tattoos off. Williams threw a perfect bounce pass to Rashard Lewis, who tossed another bull's-eye bounce-pass to Mickael Pietrus, who dunked it home. It wasn't exactly Tinker to Evers to Chance, the old baseball poem about a vaunted double-play combination, but the fastbreak connection grew contagious. Somewhere, Jameer Nelson had to appreciate the Williams to Lewis to Pietrus relay in his absence and in ..."

Clay Bennett visits Miami

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November 18

The Oklahoman

"Team chairman Clay Bennett and other Thunder executives attended Tuesday's game, in large part to gather information on the Heat's revolutionary 3,400-square-foot video board that was installed in May outside American Airlines Arena. Giving the arena a Time Square-like presence, the gigantic video board is a major revenue stream for the Heat. The largest digital LED display in the Southeast region of the country, the Heat can promote upcoming events on the board and sell advertising on it that can be seen by cars on the highway. Westbrook, O'Neal avoid ejections Late in the first half, Russell Westbrook was whistled for an offensive foul against Mario Chalmers. After the play was over, ..."

Kevin Durant is still rooting for Michael Beasley

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November 18

The Oklahoman

"Kevin Durant grew speechless last summer, unsure of what to say to his childhood friend and former teammate who had fallen on hard times. Durant wanted to reach out to Michael Beasley, but what would he say? The Thunder's star had never been admitted into a rehabilitation center as Beasley was in mid-August, never felt like it's not worth living and never got so frustrated that he needed to publicly declare that the world was against him. "I didn't want to be the guy that said the same things everybody else had said," Durant said. "So I just prayed for him. That's all I could do because I didn't know what to tell him." Durant does know how close Beasley came to not being here, in sound ..."

Kevin Durant scores 32 in Miami's win

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November 18

The Oklahoman

"Kevin Durant is finally heating up. Just ask the Heat, which watched Durant score 32 points in a 100-87 Thunder win Tuesday night at American Airlines Arena. "We're playing good as a team right now," Durant said. "I'm not worried about myself. I'm just trying to contribute to the team no matter how I shot." Averaging 32.8 points the past five games, Durant was 11-of-23 from the field. And he missed his final three shots. "He's progressed very quickly," said Miami coach Erik Spoelstra. "He's a legit go-to guy. He understands how to draw fouls. He can shoot it deep. He can put the ball on the floor. He can post. He can play pick-and-roll. He's a very efficient scorer. And he has such great ..."

Jason Williams to face difficult challenge in first start at PG

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November 18

Orlando Sentinel

"Jason Williams faces a tough task tonight in his first game as the Orlando Magic's starting point guard. He will defend Oklahoma City's Russell Westbrook, who torched the Magic by scoring 17 points and dishing out 10 assists in the Thunder's convincing victory 10 days ago. Williams will celebrate his 34th birthday today. Westbrook turned 21 last Thursday. You don't need to remind the Magic of how dangerous the Thunder can be — not after the Magic lost in Oklahoma City 102-74 on Nov. 8. "We didn't play with energy, and they did," C Dwight Howard said. "They were all over the place, and we were a step behind on everything: pick-and-rolls, rotations, everything." Even with PG Jameer Nelson ..."

Mirror image spells trouble

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November 18

Miami Herald

"With the Heat hoping to get off to a quick start, Wade picked a bad time to have arguably his worst quarter of the season to open the game. His shot appeared way off from the beginning, leading to a 2-of-7 shooting performance in the period. He compounded that by missing his only two free-throw attempts, committing a turnover and then fouling Durant with 0.7 seconds remaining while he was launching a desperation three-pointer. Wade disputed the call so vehemently that he was given a technical foul. Durant hit all four free throws to turn what had been a mild four-point deficit into a 25-17 Oklahoma City lead entering the second period. ``I don't think we gave our best defensive output,'' ..."

Thunder top Heat, 100-87

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November 18

Miami Herald

"Through nine games this season, the Heat found a way to become one of the league's biggest surprises thanks to consistent defense, a stunning superstar and a more productive supporting cast. No one ever called the Heat physically intimidating, however. The Oklahoma City Thunder can be exactly that. With 6-11 Kevin Durant leading a long, athletic and talented group, the Thunder dismantled the Heat 100-87 on Tuesday in a relatively empty AmericanAirlines Arena. ``They came in and set the tone right from the top of the game and they outplayed us with their athleticism, with their length, with their energy,'' Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. ``We never could put together sustained, long moments ..."

Thunder's athleticism, youth prove too much as Heat falls 100-87

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November 18

Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel

"On the face of it, 7-3 through 10 games would appear to put the Miami Heat ahead of the curve. But considering eight of those 10 were home games, there hardly is a feeling of satisfaction as Erik Spoelstra's team prepares to play three of its next four on the road. There certainly wasn't much of a good vibe Tuesday night at AmericanAirlines Arena, as the Heat was pounded 100-87 by the emerging Oklahoma City Thunder. "We didn't come about to play and I didn't come out to play," Heat forward Michael Beasley said, after he went 23 minutes without grabbing a single rebound. An opponent flush with young talent, the Thunder smothered Heat guard Dwyane Wade into 6-of-19 shooting and found there ..."

Thunder's Shaun Livingston to have knee surgery

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November 17

The Oklahoman

"Thunder guard Shaun Livingston is undergoing an arthroscopic procedure today on his left knee to resolve swelling, the team announced Tuesday. Dr. James Andrews will perform the surgery in Birmingham, Ala., removing staples from Livingston's knee that originally were placed during Livingston's knee reconstruction on March 13, 2007 but have recently caused swelling. Livingston has appeared in only two games this season, averaging 1.0 point and 1.5 rebounds in 10 minutes a game."

My coach...With the Thunder's D.J. White

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November 17

The Oklahoman

"The Thunder's D.J. White on his high school coach, Thad Fitzpatrick: "He basically taught me all I know, from the seventh grade on. He drilled me, kept me working, worked me hard. It really all started with him."When I was in the eighth grade, I started playing with the high school team (Hillcrest, in Tuscaloosa, Ala.). I worked with him in the summertime."He just got on me. I'm one of those people, you can criticize me and I'll respond. He taught me a lot about the game."

Scott Brooks pleased but not satisfied 10 games in

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November 17

The Oklahoman

"Thunder coach Scott Brooks refused to say he was content with the Thunder's 5-5 record through 10 games, but he does see progress in his team. "I wouldn't use the word happy, but I like what we've done," Brook said. "We went into training camp and focused on defense, and I see that being pretty consistent...And guys are giving effort. I can't complain about the effort."Seven of the Thunder's 10 games have been decided in the game's final minutes. One contest was a blowout win against Orlando, and the other two, losses to Portland and Houston came down to the fourth quarter.The Thunder ranks fifth in opponent scoring at 90.3 points per game and in the top 10 in opponent field goal ..."

Kevin Durant is still rooting for Michael Beasley

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November 17

The Oklahoman

"Kevin Durant grew speechless last summer, unsure of what to say to his childhood friend and former teammate who had fallen on hard times. Durant wanted to reach out to Michael Beasley, but what would he say? The Thunder's star had never been admitted into a rehabilitation center as Beasley was in mid-August, never felt like it's not worth living and never got so frustrated that he needed to publicly declare that the world was against him."I didn't want to be the guy that said the same things everybody else had said," Durant said. "So I just prayed for him. That's all I could do because I didn't know what to tell him."Durant does know how close Beasley came to not being here, in sound mind ..."

Not physical enough

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November 16

The Oklahoman

"The Thunder won the rebounding battle 48-42, but the Clippers grabbed five of their 12 offensive rebounds in the fourth quarter. "In this league, an (extra) 30 seconds can win you a game," said Oklahoma City's Kevin Durant. "They got more possessions by rebounding the basketball. (Even) when they were at the free throw line, they got four points off that." Thunder coach Scott Brooks said: "They came in and played a physical brand of basketball. At key moments in the game I didn't think we matched it. When we took the leading going into the fourth quarter we just started fouling... We fought but not hard enough." GREEN BATTLING SORE HIP Jeff Green, playing with a sore hip following a hard ..."

Looking beyond OKC's 5-5 record

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November 16

The Oklahoman

"Some NBA coaches like to break down their teams in five- or 10-game intervals, sampling a small segment of games to analyze the things being done well and the areas that need improvement. Thunder coach Scott Brooks prefers the one-game-at-a-time approach. "I keep it simple with our guys. Do we play hard and did we play for each other?" Brooks said. "I try to keep effort in and selfish out...If you play extremely hard, good things usually happen. You're not guaranteed it. But if you don't play hard you're guaranteed nothing good is going to happen." Oklahoma City has given good effort throughout most of the first 10 games of this marathon NBA season, and as a result the Thunder is beginning ..."

Kevin Durant can't score if he doesn't shoot

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November 16

The Oklahoman

columnist Berry Tramel

"Kevin Durant banged in a 14-foot jumper with 4:25 left in the game. One of those roll-around, rattle-around shots that falls when a guy can't seem to miss. It gave Durant 40 points on the night and cut the Clippers' lead to one. But Durant stayed stuck on 40 as the Thunder lost 101-93 Sunday night at the Ford Center. You can't score if you don't shoot. Down the stretch of yet another close game, the Thunder failed to get its franchise player another shot, save a 25-footer on the meaningless last possession. The Thunder lost for many reasons. Pushed around by the bigger Clippers. No answer for LA's two-man game of Baron Davis and Chris Kaman. Horrid shooting for much of the game. But still, ..."

Clippers get even with Oklahoma City Thunder

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November 16

The Oklahoman

"For the second time in a week, the Thunder followed a big win with a disappointing loss. Last week, the Thunder routed the Orlando Magic. Two days later, they lost to Sacramento, a Kings team they routed in the season opener. This time, the Thunder was coming off a big road win over the Spurs but lost 101-93 to the Clippers, the same team it defeated four days ago in Los Angeles. "Give credit to the Clippers," said Kevin Durant. "They came out and played hard and tough on both ends. It was a bad loss for us. But we can learn from it that especially on back-to-backs we have to bring energy from the beginning." Oklahoma City rallied from a 13-point third-quarter deficit to own a 76-75 lead ..."

Clippers pull out of spiral to beat Oklahoma City, 101-93

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November 16

Los Angeles Times

"Not all lost leads are created equal. This time, the Clippers' lead was not too big, too early -- the way it was a couple of days ago against the Raptors, as noted Clippers philosopher and big man Chris Kaman helpfully pointed out. The Clippers merely lost a 13-point lead to the Thunder on Sunday. But then came this revelation: Apparently, not every squandered Clippers lead is gone forever. Instead, the Clippers, who were behind as late as the last 1:59, rallied as they were led by Baron Davis. Davis made a three-pointer with 43 seconds remaining and later added two free throws to secure the win, helping defeat Oklahoma City, 101-93, at the Ford Center. Kaman led the Clippers with 25 ..."

Russell Westbrook responds

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November 15

The Oklahoman

"Coming off one of the worst games of his young career, Russell Westbrook responded with one of his best (19 points, 11 assists, 0 turnovers). "It's going to be an ongoing process," said coach Scott Brooks. "Russell is not at the level that he's going to be. But he works at it. He wants to get better. He's not going to play perfect basketball." FOUR IN FIVE NIGHTS The Thunder Saturday night started one of its most demanding stretches all season, playing four games in five nights in four cities. Three of the four are on the road. "The key is to bring the energy every night," Brooks said. "You can't pick and choose your game, thinking 'This is a good team (so bring more energy).' You have to ..."

Thunder gets a statement victory

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November 15

The Oklahoman

"Every win count the same in the standings. But some are statement wins. The Thunder's 101-98 win over the Spurs Saturday night in front of a sellout AT&T Center crowd sent a message a young team many are labeling a team-on-the-rise squad is learning how to close out wins, even on the road against elite competition. "This is a really good road win for us, coming in to their home floor, where they've won championships," said Kevin Durant. "Coming into this game a lot of people might have said Oklahoma City has no chance. But we played hard. Our push in the third quarter is what won the game for us." All three young Thunder stars played key roles but this truly was a team effort. Russell ..."

Thunder moving up the NBA's ranks

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November 15

San Antonio Express-News

"The day Thunder players were to meet the Oklahoma City media for the first time last preseason, two of the former Seattle SuperSonics failed to show. This had nothing to do with disliking the media. The two, freshly arrived in their new home city, couldn't find the media day site. The Thunder's 3-29 start had less to do with lack of talent and proper direction than it did constant distraction. For Thunder general manager Sam Presti, the team's first season as the only major professional team in Oklahoma required the extreme exercise of forbearance. Now, things are different. This season's Thunder came into Saturday's game against the Spurs at the AT"

Thunder notebook: Grueling stretch

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November 14

The Oklahoman

"The Thunder will play four games in five nights in four different cities. Three games are on the road against playoff teams. After tonight's game in San Antonio, Oklahoma City hosts the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday night and plays at Miami (Tuesday) and Orlando (Wednesday). Is a young team, such as the Thunder, better equipped to handle a challenging schedule?"People are going to get tired, playing four games in four nights, especially playing great teams like Miami, Orlando, the Clippers and San Antonio if you give it all you've got," said Jeff Green. "Being young helps a little bit. You just have to take care of your body, eat right and get your rest."PARKER, DUNCAN QUESTIONABLE Spurs ..."

Serge Ibaka making strong case

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November 14

The Oklahoman

"When Tulsa begins its Development League season later this month, a few Thunder players will join the 66ers. Serge Ibaka, though, is making a strong case to stay in Oklahoma City.Playing much of the fourth quarter Wednesday night in an 83-79 win over the Los Angeles Clippers, Ibaka is showing flashes of what he can contribute once he matures and gains experience.How much Ibaka plays tonight against the San Antonio Spurs or other games before Tulsa opens its season Nov. 27 is a game-to-game decision. But after the raw, athletic, 6-foot-10 Congo native impacted Wednesday's outcome, he should earn more minutes."I felt we needed his energy, and he provided that," said coach Scott Brooks. "He's ..."

Jenni Carlson's Q

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November 14

The Oklahoman

"Jenni Carlson: I could start by asking about the win against the Clippers or tonight's game against the Spurs. But the most pressing question is this - what's the deal with that music video on Twitter? Jeff Green: What music video?JC: Oh, please. You, Kevin Durant, James Harden are lip-syncing. You're big stars. JG: We were just having fun. We were bored in our hotel rooms, so we just decided to hang out. We were listening to some music, so we just decided to record it. It was nothing that was planned. It just happened within five minutes. A lot of people are asking us, "When is the next video coming out?" They thought it was hilarious. That's why people love us; we like to have fun.JC: ..."

James Harden's memorable shot

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November 12

The Oklahoman

"A 40-foot halftime buzzer-beater, two steps inside the half-court line against Sacramento, will be one of James Harden's top highlights from his rookie season. "That's my first half-court shot ever," Harden said. Does he ever practice that shot?"No, not really," Harden said. "Sometimes when you're a kid you throw the ball up from half court ... the clock was running out. I just wanted to get a shot up."Harden, who scored nine points against the Kings, said he's getting more comfortable."My teammates want me to shoot the ball more. My coaches want me to shoot the ball a little bit more," Harden said. "Now it's just a matter of playing.""

Win No. 4 noteworthy for Thunder

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November 12

The Oklahoman

"Happy New Year! What, you don't remember stuffing yourself at Thanksgiving or fighting mall Christmas shoppers? Kevin Durant's 30 points and a solid fourth-quarter defensive effort produced an 83-79 Thunder win over the Clippers Wednesday night at the Staples Center. It was win No. 4 which is noteworthy. Last season the Thunder didn't record its fourth win until New Year's Eve. "Wow!" Durant said, pausing to soak in that fact. "But we don't even think about last year no more. This is a new year for us with some new guys and a new staff. " A 3-29 start a year ago is even more sobering when you consider the Thunder didn't post its fifth win until Jan. 6, a total Oklahoma City can reach ..."

Durant leads Thunder to 83-79 win over Clippers

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November 12

The Oklahoman

"Kevin Durant stepped back and hit the go-ahead jumper from the left corner with 38 seconds remaining for two of his 30 points, giving Oklahoma City an 83-79 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night. Jeff Green added 13 points, and Nenad Krstic had 10 to help the Thunder end a two-game road losing skid. Durant also had 10 rebounds. Chris Kaman led the Clippers with 20 points and 11 rebounds. Baron Davis added 17 points and nine assists, and Al Thornton scored 15 points. Thornton was fouled on a 3-point attempt with 1:28 remaining and made all three free throws to tie it at 79. Rasual Butler missed a 3 before Durant got the ball in the corner opposite the Clippers' bench for ..."

Win No. 4 noteworthy for Thunder

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November 12

The Oklahoman

"Happy New Year! What, you don't remember stuffing yourself at Thanksgiving or fighting mall Christmas shoppers? Kevin Durant's 30 points and a solid fourth-quarter defensive effort produced an 83-79 Thunder win over the Clippers Wednesday night at the Staples Center. It was win No. 4 which is noteworthy. Last season the Thunder didn't record its fourth win until New Year's Eve. "Wow!" Durant said, pausing to soak in that fact. "But we don't even think about last year no more. This is a new year for us with some new guys and a new staff. " A 3-29 start a year ago is even more sobering when you consider the Thunder didn't post its fifth win until Jan. 6, a total Oklahoma City can reach ..."

Clippers take turn for worse in loss to Oklahoma City

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November 12

Los Angeles Times

"The present looks increasingly bleak for the Clippers with so much of their future wearing haute couture instead of jerseys and sneakers. In their second game without injured shooting guard Eric Gordon, the Clippers fell deeper into an early-season sinkhole Wednesday night at Staples Center during an 83-79 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Clippers squandered a nine-point, third-quarter lead and dropped to 0-2 without the second-year Gordon, who is expected to miss at least five more games because of a sore left groin. Rookie forward Blake Griffin, who hasn't played this season because of a stress fracture in his left kneecap, won't return until next month. The only thing left to play ..."

Thunder markets All-Star hopefuls

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November 11

The Oklahoman

"To help push three of the NBA's rising stars to their first All-Star Game appearance, the Oklahoma City Thunder will encourage fans to "Vote Thunder. Vote Often." It's a marketing campaign that is in line with the team's "Rise Together" motto, which avoids putting one player over another even though Kevin Durant is widely considered the league's next big star and projected by some to earn a selection to this year's All-Star Game, set for Feb. 14 at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.With Russell Westbrook and Jeff Green also on the 2010 All-Star ballot, which the league released Tuesday, the Thunder's slogan is an all-inclusive one that will be featured prominently inside the Ford Center ..."

Thunder loses to Sacramento 101-98

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November 11

The Oklahoman

"Kevin Durant had a chance to match James Harden's end-of-the-half 3-pointer. It wasn't to be. Playing catch-up most of the game, the Thunder dropped a 101-98 decision to the Sacramento Kings Tuesday night at Arco Arena. Durant scored a season-high 37 points but his potential game-tying 28-foot shot clanged off the front of the rim at the buzzer. "When it left my hand it looked good," said Durant. "It was just a little short. Hopefully next time I hit it." It's remarkable the Thunder forced the announced crowd of 10,523 to stay to the last second considering the Kings shot 57.9 percent the first half, had five players score in double figures and out-rebounded OKC 51-36. "They've been ..."

Durant, Green, Westbrook represent OKC on NBA All-Star ballot

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November 10

The Oklahoman

"Oklahoma City teammates Kevin Durant, Jeff Green and Russell Westbrook are on the 2010 NBA All-Star ballot, which was released by the league Tuesday. This marks the first time Green and Westbrook made the All-Star ballot. Durant was on the ballot last year, along with Thunder teammates Nick Collison and Chris Wilcox. The NBA All-Star game will be played Sunday, Feb. 14 in Arlington, Texas. Fans can cast votes at each NBA arena, on NBA.com and through mobile phones by texting the player's last name to 6-9-6-2-2 ("MYNBA"), via Web2Go® on T-Mobile phones or wap.nba.com for any wireless carrier. Paper balloting will continue through Jan. 10, while wireless balloting and voting on NBA.com will ..."

Etan Thomas, Nick Collison providing defensive punch off the bench

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November 10

The Oklahoman

"Their stats aren't overly impressive and likely never will be. But through six games, Etan Thomas and Nick Collison have given the Thunder a defensive duo off the bench and added stability to Oklahoma City's second unit. Entering tonight's game at Sacramento, Thomas and Collison have already faced three of the best frontlines against Portland, Orlando and the Los Angeles Lakers. They've held their own each time, helping the Thunder edge opponents by 3.5 rebounds per game and limit opponents to 43.7 percent shooting. "It's huge. We have two energy, intangible players coming off the bench," said Thunder coach Scott Brooks. "They create offense by just playing hard, cutting hard, getting ..."

Thunder getting defensive

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November 10

The Oklahoman

"As Thunder coach Scott Brooks and point guard Russell Westbrook dined during an off-season meeting, a nearby television aired a Los Angeles Lakers playoff game. Brooks, noticing a plain but pesky trait in Lakers lead guard Derek Fisher's defensive tactics, postponed the conversation and promptly transformed into teacher mode. Brooks wanted Westbrook to watch how the veteran point guard applied full-court pressure, how he caused chaos for his man with his physical play. "The rest of our dinner was about that," Brooks said. Similar conversations took place throughout the summer with Kevin Durant and Jeff Green, Nick Collison and Shaun Livingston, Kyle Weaver and D.J. White. The dialogue was ..."

Would've been nice to savor Thunder win

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November 10

The Oklahoman

columnist John Rohde

"In the NBA, you don't stew over loses and you don't marinate wins. Too bad, because it sure would have been nice if Thunder players could have soaked in Sunday night's 102-74 domination over the defending Eastern Conference champion Orlando Magic for a little while longer. Roughly 14½ hours later, it was back to the same old grind. There was a light-hearted shooting contest to close out Monday's 11 a.m. practice session. At 3:30 p.m., the team boarded its charter flight for tonight's game at Sacramento. So it goes when you have 82 regular-season games in 169 days. Thunder coach Scott Brooks wants his players to put a big loss behind them as quickly as possible, and the same also holds true ..."

Russell Westbrook mixing scoring with passing

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November 9

The Oklahoman

"Russell Westbrook entered Sunday's game against Orlando coming off a season-high 33 points at Houston. His point total was one shy of his career high and his 25 shot attempts were 13 more than his average through the first four games. Westbrook's priority had previously been to set up his teammates and control the pace of the game. But Westbrook's aggressiveness at Houston signaled the balancing act the second-year point guard is trying to master between looking for his own offense and getting others involved. "He has to continue to work on that," said Thunder coach Scott Brooks. "It's a fine line, but it's an important line for him to push at all times. He has to attack. We don't want him ..."

Thunder following plan for success

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November 9

The Oklahoman

"Inevitably, non-believers will look at Oklahoma City's 3-3 record and point out the breaks, the string of good fortune the Thunder has been blessed with in these first two weeks of the season. There was the 13-point, season-opening win against a dreadful Sacramento squad, the eight-point road victory two nights later at Detroit against a Pistons team playing without Richard Hamilton and Sunday's 102-74 thumping of an Orlando team that came to town with an injured Vince Carter and a suspended Rashard Lewis. But the Thunder has done exactly what it is supposed to do, pound the walking wounded, pounce on the weak, peel off victories any way it can. It's what helps bad teams blossom to playoff ..."

Orlando mails one in as Thunder rolls

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November 9

Orlando Sentinel

"As if the loss to a reigning lottery team wasn't bad enough, Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard said it appeared his team "quit" during the dreary proceedings. "We haven't had a game like this in a long time. We'd miss shots and guys would hang their heads," Howard said. "I don't think we should quit in a game. Seems like, as a team, we shouldn't quit." It's one thing for the Magic to be routed by the Oklahoma City Thunder 102-74 on Sunday night at Ford Center. It's another thing for Howard to suggest the Magic (5-2) retired early against a team that is improving, but one that won just 23 games last season. Howard showed no anger. He was singing some song as he sprayed a cloud of cologne. ..."

No lineup change

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November 8

The Oklahoman

"Coach Scott Brooks doesn't like flip-flopping starting lineups. But since Etan Thomas is playing well, and Nenad Krstic is in a slump, would Brooks consider starting Thomas at center? The switch also would give the Thunder an added offensive weapon (Krstic) off the bench. "It's always fluid," Brooks said. "It's a gut feel. Right now I like Nenad in the starting lineup. But nothing is permanent. They both bring something to our team that we need. "Nenad didn't play particularly well (at Houston) but he gave us great energy in the third quarter when we made a good run (Tuesday against the Lakers)... The bottom line is we need both of them to play well." SCOUTING ORLANDO Vince Carter ..."

Thunder center Etan Thomas is committed to a life outside the NBA

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November 8

The Oklahoman

"Etan Thomas' voice echoed through the streets of Washington, D.C. Near the nation's capital, four years ago, Thomas passionately pleaded: Bring home America's troops from Iraq. Andy Shallal was among the 100,000 anti-war supporters that day. Shallal owns Busboys and Poets Bookstore, the premier progressive gathering place in D.C. "I was blown away," Shallal said. "It sent chills through me on a warm, early fall afternoon. His unequivocal anti-war stand, unwavering call for justice, his passion, I am sorry his voice is not heard more." A rail thin star at Tulsa Washington, he was challenged by his mother to pursue interests other than sports. After bulking up at Syracuse, becoming the ..."

Houston Rockets too fast for Oklahoma City Thunder

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November 7

The Oklahoman

"Russell Westbrook scored a season high 33 points. It's his second highest offensive outing behind a career-best 34-point outing last...That play epitomized the Rockets' 105-94 win over the Thunder on Friday at the Toyota Center.Switching to a faster, up-tempo offense with Yao Ming out for the season, the Rockets scored 22 fast-break points and 54 in-the-paint points. They led Oklahoma City by double digits most of the game.Houston's in-the-paint points, though, no longer are traditional, bang-inside baskets. The Rockets thrived on "beep, beep" flash-to-the-basket points and fast-break points when the Thunder failed to get back on defense."I think it would surprise people how fast they ..."

Durant impresses

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November 7

Houston Chronicle

"Rockets forward Shane Battier took turns with Trevor Ariza matching up with Oklahoma City forward Kevin Durant on Friday night. It was his first game against Durant since the 2007-08 season, when Durant was a rookie, and Battier said he has improved. "I think he knows the game better," Battier said of Durant, who scored 27 points. "The shot quality is much better at this point. That's what's going to make him an elite, elite player, to be able to score without the volume of shots. I think he can do it. When you see his progression, it's scary.""

Durant no doubt has special talent

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November 7

Houston Chronicle

"If only basketball were as easy as Kevin Durant makes it look. Durant is so fluid with the basketball that you find yourself watching his every move on the floor. You could just follow him while imagining your favorite tune. (Well, you could if the Toyota Center DJ would ease up on the headache-inducing beats they play almost nonstop in the joint. Is this a basketball game or a rave?) In just his third NBA season, the 21-year-old former University of Texas star is already a starter on my mythical "most enjoyable to watch" team. Actually, he is almost impossible not to watch. Durant threw in a cool 27 points Friday night, but as you would expect, the Thunder were no match for the Rockets, ..."

Rockets can handle prosperity

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November 7

Houston Chronicle

"As much as had been made of the Rockets' encouraging start through the five-game test to open the season, they had not been asked to do what had to be done Friday night. For the first time this season, they were out in front, playing at home in a game they seemed to control and against a team they handle. The electricity in the building evident in the home opener and against the Lakers on Wednesday was long gone, as well as 3,000 or so fans. A young Oklahoma City team with talent, but little buzz, was sticking around. The Rockets could not play their usual underdog role. Instead, they hit themselves with a jolt of high-speed offense in the second quarter, then called upon it as needed to ..."

Kevin Durant is seeing more of the end-game

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November 6

The Oklahoman

"Kevin Durant walked out of the Ford Center on Tuesday night, hopped into the back of a car with his father and two brothers by his side and didn't say a word as the foursome traveled north, from downtown Oklahoma City to his Edmond home. The Thunder's agonizing 101-98 defeat to the Los Angeles Lakers stung too much to speak, and Durant's two airballs in the final seconds of regulation, and overtime became the inescapable conclusion to his miserable final 24 minutes. "I just kept to myself," Durant said. "People were text messaging me and I just left it alone and went right to sleep."It wasn't until Thursday morning that Durant recuperated from the repulsive feeling of what he later ..."

Jeff Green's consistency continues to improve

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November 6

The Oklahoman

"Thunder coach Scott Brooks said Green's early production is largely a result of him being in his third season and feeling more comfortable with the league and nightly matchups."He's a tremendous talent that plays the right way," Brooks said. "He plays solid, consistent basketball that a coach can count on. And he's even taken it up to another level."Brooks challenged Green at the start of the season to leave everything on the floor this year, and the coach has seen the player respond by being exhausted at the end of games."I think he's doing a great job of focusing and doing what we need him to do," Kevin Durant said. "He's always a mismatch for either team. And he's been playing great ... ..."

Budinger unlikely for Thunder

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November 6

Houston Chronicle

"Rockets forward Chase Budinger, out with a sprained left ankle, predicted he will be ready to play tonight against Oklahoma City. Coach Rick Adelman guessed he won't. Budinger missed Wednesday's game against the Lakers and was held out of practice Thursday but participated in shooting drills. "I felt great at shootaround today," Budinger said. "Hopefully, I'll keep getting better tomorrow and be ready to play. It was tough (to sit out), especially playing against the Lakers. I wanted to be out there. The last time I missed a game was in high school." Adelman was not so sure. "I actually don't expect him to play tomorrow after watching him today," Adelman said. "But he's young (21), so ..."

Thunder's reserves pack a punch off the bench

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November 5

The Oklahoman

"Last season Oklahoma City's reserves often poured gas on the fire, and deficits widened.This season, Etan Thomas, James Harden, Nick Collison and Kevin Ollie are impacting games. Against the Lakers, OKC's reserves closed the gap to three points early in the second quarter. By halftime the Lakers' lead was 51-50."To be a good team, it can't just come from the starting five," said Jeff Green. "You need production off the bench. ...We have guys who won't miss a beat."The second half of a 101-98 overtime loss to the Lakers was similar. OKC trailed when the reserves entered the game in the third quarter. When the starters returned with eight minutes left, the Thunder led 81-77."We have a nice ..."

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