The Oklahoma City Thunder are coming off a tough loss and looking ahead to the upcoming games as the news and rumors ramp up.
Check out the latest buzz below.
Durant, Brooks Target Defense in Loss
Kevin Durant’s return was supposed to boost the Thunder to a win over the New Orleans Pelicans, but the team lost 112-104. Durant and coach Scott Brooks blamed the defense.
“We can’t afford to have five or six minutes of the defensive intensity disappearing on us,” Brooks told NBA.com. “Today’s film session on the floor was really good. We’re looking forward to coming back the next game and playing better.”
“We just have to be more engaged,” Durant said. “We have to be in a stance and trust our defensive schemes. It’s not going to be perfect every time or work every time, but the majority of the time it does. We’ve seen that the last six years. We have to stick to what we do and do it to the best of our ability.”
Brooks acknowledged that re-integrating Russell Westbrook and Durant will take time, but it should be easier on defense.
“There is going to be a period that we’re going to have to navigate through during the integration of some of our players coming back,” Brooks said. “That’s more of an offensive issue. Defensively, it’s a mindset of playing with toughness and playing with engagement. That has nothing to do with guys coming in and coming out.”
Durant added that he thought he did well against the Pelicans, playing 30 minutes and scoring 27 points on 9-for-18 shooting.
“I felt great,” Durant said. “I definitely wanted to play better but I’m glad I’m out there playing. When you’re away the game for so long, you just appreciate every second you’re on the floor. That’s how I felt last night.”
Other Players Close to Recovery
