At first glance, the Thunder doesn't possess an intimidating player inside. Actually, the same holds true at second glance. Most teams aren't going to be threatened by Nenad Krstic, Nick Collison or Etan Thomas. They're either not tough enough, by reputation, or physical enough to patrol the paint. But looks can be deceiving. Oklahoma City went into Friday fifth in the NBA in blocked shots at 5.5. Yes, undersized power forward Jeff Green (1.1) is leading the way, but Thomas, Collison, Thabo Sefolosha and Kevin Durant average nearly one per game.
"We're doing a good job with our weak side," Thunder coach Brooks said of the defense. "Last year we struggled guarding the ball. This year we're doing a better job. We're not a great shot-block team but are putting ourselves in position to get a few."
OKC had another five in Friday's win over Washington.
"We have athletic guys with long arms who can jump and force bad shots," Green said. "It's just hustle, making a play."
THUNDER 127, WIZARDS 108: Oklahoma City didn't rely on its defense Friday night, burying visiting Washington with a fourth-quarter barrage. The Thunder improved to 7-6 and evened their home record at 3-3.
Kevin Durant lit the Wizards up with 35 points, while rookie James Harden set his second consecutive career-high with 25. The 127 points were the most for the franchise in regulation since 2001, when the team was still located in Seattle.
OKC shot better than 50 percent from the floor and beyond the arc. Russell Westbrook added 26 points and seven assists. Caron Butler, Gilbert Arenas and Antawn Jamison each score more than 20 for the Wizards.
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