Thunder notebook: Defensive improvement

Comments Comment on this article0

Published: January 7, 2009

Joe Smith (four) and Desmond Mason (three) combined for seven of the Thunder’s eight blocked shots. The veteran forwards said the key to getting late-game defensive stops has been better help on defense.


Oklahoma City's Desmond Mason puts up a shot in front of New York's defense during their game at the Ford Center in downtown Oklahoma City on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2009. By John Clanton

Advertisement

"We’re trusting each other a little more,” Mason said. "Guys are rotating better on defense. One reason I could go for some blocks tonight is I knew my guy behind me was going to help on defense, which allowed me to go across and contest some shots.”

Krispy nears debut
Coach Scott Brooks said center Nenad Krstic, who recently signed a three-year, $15.6 million deal, is in fine condition. The final step is learning the playbook. Krstic, who played four years with the Nets, will make his Thunder debut tonight at Minnesota or at home Friday against Houston.

"I want to get him on the same page with everybody,” Brooks said. "I want to be able to call a play and he go right to it without thinking. There’s nothing like being on the court and not being sure where to be... But he is close to understanding about everything we do. He’s a smart kid with a high basketball IQ.”

Cartoon Network
The Cartoon Network was in town this week to film a promotional segment with Kevin Durant. Durant was the first of five NBA players to be filmed. Durant’s segment is scheduled to run later this month and also will be featured online. Utah’s Deron Williams and Boston’s Ray Allen also will shoot spots.

"I’m a big kid myself, so it was a lot of fun,” Durant said.

A sample question: What kind of cereal do you eat? "Fruity Pebbles,” Durant said. "And Trix.”

Scouting Minnesota
Both teams are playing their best basketball of the season. OKC is a missed Carmelo Anthony buzzer-beater away from a three-game winning streak. Minnesota was mired in a 13-game losing streak in mid-December but is 5-2 the past two weeks.

"Both teams area very similar,” Jeff Green said. "We have guys who can play multiple positions. ... Both teams are young and getting better as the season goes along. It will be a tough game. We just need to have the same intensity.”

Injury update
Smith returned after missing three games with a knee contusion. Rookie guard Kyle Weaver dressed out, but Brooks instead went with veteran Damien Wilkins off the bench. Forward Nick Collison (fractured thumb) once again was in street clothes but might return this weekend.

Fast break...
The Thunder has scored 100 or more points four consecutive games. ... Oklahoma City shot 52.7 percent from the field. Oddly, the Thunder is only 2-7 when shooting 50 percent or better. ... The 35-point first quarter was OKC’s best start all season. ... The Thunder was shooting 90 percent (18-of-20) at the line before slumping in the fourth quarter (6-of-11).

By Mike Baldwin


 

Toolbar sponsored by: David Stanley Ford

Junkmycar.com
Read this Towing & Wrecking Service's reviews & find Auto Info.
Oklahomacity.Citysearch.com

Oklahoma City Jobs
$30/Hour Work From Home Jobs.View Home Jobs Now! Computer Required.
National-News-Gazette.com

shareView All

Buzz Up!


Leave a Comment

Something to say about this topic? Submit a Letter to the Editor online

Thank you for joining our conversations on newsok. We encourage your discussions but ask that you stay within the bounds of our terms and conditions. Please help us by reporting comments that violate these guidelines. To review our rules of engagement, go to Commenting and posting policy.


Log in below or sign up (it's free).






    Sports Photo Galleriesview all