Compared to last season's 2-18 start, it's a dramatic improvement.

"It is a better start, but we could have won a lot of games," said Kevin Durant. "We could have won maybe 14. If we were 14-6, that would have been good for 20 games. The best thing about this league is you learn from your mistakes and have another game around the corner. We just have to continue to get better."

Compared to the first 20 games last season, Oklahoma City is scoring 6.0 more points a game and giving up 7.4 less.

The biggest improvement has been defense.

"I like the way we're playing," said coach Scott Brooks. "We're playing good Basketball. We're not always going to be perfect. We're not there. I know that. Our guys know that. They come to practice every day to work to get better."

Oklahoma City now enters arguably its most challenging stretch all season.

The Thunder is off until Friday when it plays at Memphis. The Grizzlies are 8-4 since mid-November, 5-1 at home following a win over the Cavaliers on Tuesday.

Over the next two weeks, the Thunder will play eight games in 13 days, including five games next week against five teams that made the playoffs. That's followed by road games at the Lakers and Suns before Christmas.

"It's positive we've had a good start, but it only going to get tougher," said Thabo Sefolosha. "Now teams will expect us to come into their building and play well. We just need to keep practicing hard and bring the same energy every game."