--F Kevin Durant is approaching the All-Star break as the sixth-leading scorer in the league. At least one league insider wouldn't be surprised if Durant leads the league in scoring one day.
"When he's making jump shots, he's basically un-defendable," Denver coach George Karl said. "You have to choose (denying) the ball from him or double-team him. He'll have to learn to move around and play different places on the court better, but his athleticism is huge. His size is long. When his jumper is going in, you can be three inches from the ball, and it's still going in." --F Joe Smith is back in the lineup after missing 10 games with a cyst on his knee. The veteran played Wednesday against Denver, seeing his first action since Jan. 10.
"Joe gave us good energy," coach Scott Brooks said. "He did a good job of protecting, a good job on the offensive boards. It doesn't surprise me. He is such a smart player and takes care of his body."
Smith logged 20 minutes Friday against Portland, netting six points and six rebounds in the win.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "For us to get off this losing skid feels good. We moved the ball really well tonight." -- F Kevin Durant, after beating Portland on Friday to snap a three-game losing streak.
