Thunder notebook: Grueling stretch

BY MIKE BALDWIN, Staff Writer, mbaldwin@opubco.com Comments 0
Published: November 14, 2009

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 point guard Tony Parker and center Tim Duncan, who have missed the past two games with ankle injuries, both practiced Friday. They’re listed as questionable, but both should play tonight. Coach Scott Brooks said you prepare for both and adjust if they don’t.

"They play a different style when Duncan is not in the game,” Brooks said. "They’re more perimeter when they don’t have the post threat that he demands. But that’s a good team. They beat (Dallas and Toronto) without (Duncan and Parker).”

WESTBROOK PRACTICES

Point guard Russell Westbrook, who suffered a sprained ankle in Wednesday’s win against the Clippers, practiced Friday and will start tonight. Westbrook was 1-of-11 from the field and scored only two points, matching his career low.

LEARNING ENGLISH

Serge Ibaka speaks four languages. His least developed is English. Teammates are helping him, including working on his English when they eat out during road trips.

"I have English classes,” Ibaka said. "In two months, my English will be better.”

Green said: "We know the language barrier is tough, but we’re there by his side. We try to translate, help him out. He looks for help. This is his first time here (in the U.S.) touring all these NBA cities. But he’s enjoying it, having a great time. He’s picking everything up well.”

Ibaka’s favorite slang English word? "Baaa-by.”

MULLENS UPDATE

Rookie center Byron Mullens has been inactive all eight games. He most likely will be sent to the D-League in two weeks. Mullens said Milwaukee Bucks forward Michael Redd, who grew up in the same neighborhood in Columbus, Ohio, has given him advice how to handle not playing.

"He tells me to practice hard every day and pray about it,” Mullens said. "When he came into the league, he only played in six games his first year. He said stick with it, that my time will come.”

What area of his game has improved the most the past two months?

"My timing,” Mullens said. "Working with Coach (Mark) Bryant, I’m trying to slow down the game. Don’t make fast decisions by holding the ball a little longer instead of making quick moves.”