The Thunder has a legitimate hot streak in the works. Sure, it's only two consecutive wins and a 5-4 record in the last nine games, but for the team with the NBA's worst record, this is sizzling.
Much has been made of interim coach Scott Brooks opening up the offense with a smaller lineup, but the strides made at the other end of the court are just as key. There's a commitment to hitting the boards and new assistant Ron Adams has made an immediate impact with his defensive principles. Oklahoma City put together another solid performance Friday, limiting Detroit to just 79 points and winning the battle of the boards by a massive 52-35 margin.
"We just came out tonight and wanted to play hard on the defense," forward Kevin Durant said after the game. "Make them shoot one shot and no second chances and no offensive rebounds. Coach Adams has been teaching us some new concepts on defense at practice."
The Pistons scored just 12 points in the fourth quarter as the Thunder secured the win over a traditional NBA power.
"I thought the key to the game was defending them without fouling," Brooks said. "Going into the game, that was one of our keys. We did a good job of that."
THUNDER 89, PISTONS 79: Oklahoma City opened the fourth quarter with 13-0 run to effectively clinch Friday night's home victory over Detroit. The Thunder has won two straight, both over winning teams, for the first time since relocating from Seattle.
Kevin Durant paced OKC with 32 points. OKC has won five times in its last nine games after opening the season 3-29. Chris Wilcox had 17 points and 11 rebounds off the bench. Desmond Mason scored 11 and grabbed 11 boards, and Jeff Green added 14 rebounds.
The Pistons have lost four straight for the first time in four years. Allen Iverson was limited to 14 points. The game was close throughout until OKC took control in the final period.
