Despite owning one of the worst records in the league, the Thunder have had their moments this season. They played .500 ball for a nice stretch in January and have won four out of five with Sunday's victory over Philadelphia.
"We are playing with a lot of tenacity," Oklahoma City coach Scott Brooks said, "We are a much better team with all our guys healthy, but we are on a good run right now." Somehow, the Thunder are winning without their two leading scorers in the lineup. You'd think a lottery-bound team without Kevin Durant and Jeff Green wouldn't stand a chance.
And throw in the fact that Oklahoma City was playing on the second night of a back-to-back against an Eastern Conference playoff contender. Again, it adds up to a loss. Right?
Don't tell that to Russell Westbrook, Nenad Krstic, Nick Collison, Kyle Weaver and the rest of the Thunder players that are stepping up to fill the void.
"Guys are doing a good job of helping out," Brooks said. "I think our weak side defense is as good as it's been. Still, we're a much better team with our guys all healthy. You can't lose fact of that. We're playing a good stretch right now."
THUNDER 89, SIXERS 74: Malik Rose had his best game of the season and Nenad Krstic continued his strong play in the pivot, as Oklahoma City took came of playoff-hopeful Philadelphia at home Sunday.
The Thunder (17-46) improved to 13-20 at home, and are only three wins shy of last year's season total (in Seattle) with 19 games left. Oklahoma City has won four of its last five, even though Kevin Durant and Jeff Green are out.
Rose, unused all season in New York before being shipped to Oklahoma City, had season highs with 14 points and seven rebounds. He scored eight in a 20-2 stretch in the open the second quarter that left the Thunder firmly in command.
Kristic had 20 points and eight boards. Nick Collison chipped with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Russell Westbrook, Earl Watson and Kyle Weaver also scored in double-figures.
