--F Kevin Durant appreciates what LeBron James is trying to do with Michael Jordan's old number. But Durant, who is close with James and is outfitted by Nike, doesn't think No. 23 should be retired by the NBA. "I have a lot of respect for Michael Jordan and LeBron is one of my best friends, so whatever he wants to do as far as his own number, I'm behind. But I also know who came before me," Durant said. "Nothing against MJ, but if you retire his number around the league, what about Bill Russell and Oscar Robertson and Elgin Baylor? And all of the other great players who went before? "If you're going to do that for Michael, you should do the same for the rest of those guys. Whatever happens, happens. I just don't think guys like Russell and Robertson and Chamberlain should be forgotten."
--Oklahoma City has lost 10 of its last 12 games in Orlando, including six straight by an average of nearly 14 points. Kevin Durant has particularly struggled, averaging 12.7 points there in three career games. He said after Wednesday's loss that it being the second night of a back-to-back had no impact on his or the team's poor showing.
"I don't want to blame it on that," Durant said. "They came out with a lot of energy and we didn't. They executed and capitalized on that. You have to tip your hat off to a great team. I see why they are picked to win the East again. You can't guard them. It was a tough game for us."
QUOTE TO NOTE: "We didn't play well and, bottom line, they outplayed us. (The Magic) are a very talented team. They were making their shots, we were a step slow and the ball was a little sticky tonight." -- Coach Scott Brooks on losing by 14 Wednesday at Orlando.
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