It's routine to hear players talk about percentages when dealing with their health, as in "so-and-so is 75 percent and hopes he can play tonight."
Thunder forward Nick Collison can jokingly apply percentages to his fingers, which are currently at 80 percent. Playing with a pair of broken fingers, Collison still has eight intact. "I like Nick's competitive spirit," Thunder coach Scott Brooks said.
The broken thumb suffered earlier this season was really painful. As for the recently chipped middle finger, "This one, I barely feel," he said. Despite the various ailments this season, Collison has to be practically dragged out of the lineup.
"I just feel like if you can play, you can play," Collison said. "If you're injured to the point where it hurts when you play or you can damage yourself long-term, you shouldn't play. But otherwise, it's something you can usually play through."
Collison's willingness to suit up no matter what the ailment is indicative of the team's persistence throughout the season. The Thunder just aren't about to give up and pack it in.
JAZZ 101, THUNDER 94: Oklahoma City dug itself in an early hole again Friday night, falling at home to Utah. The Thunder (19-50) have dropped consecutive games in their gym after winning four straight. Small forward Kevin Durant paced Oklahoma City with 24 points and 12 rebounds, while point guard Russell Westbrook added 22 points.
The Thunder were outscored by 10 in the second quarter and trailed by nine at the break. Led by Deron Williams, Utah's lead grew to 15 in the second half and the visitors never lost control. Williams finished with 24 points and 11 assists.
