"It's great to have our owners here," said Thunder coach Scott Brooks. "They wanted to check out the facility and watch the practice and have lunch with the coaches and players.

"It's great to have owners that care. I remember my playing days I probably ran into the owners less than five times. Very rarely do you get the chance to talk with them."

DIFFERENCE WITHOUT DESMOND

In its first two games without Mason, arguably the Thunder's best individual defender, Oklahoma City allowed 122 points in an overtime loss to Sacramento on Sunday and 110 points in a loss at Utah on Friday.

But the biggest difference without Mason?

"The intensity and that energy that he brings, that leadership he has and just his voice," said forward Jeff Green. "It carries. He's a true vet who's been in this league. He's won games and lost games and knows what it takes to win."

COMMUNITY APPEARANCES

This week Thunder players Chucky Atkins (Harlem Renaissance exhibit) and Kyle Weaver (Oklahoma Black History exhibit) will be involved with students celebrating Black History Month.

Other activities include: Joe Smith and D.J. White reading to students at Highland Park Elementary School and Nick Collison (Northwest Classen High) and Chris Wilcox (Millwood High) signing autographs at meet-and-greet sessions.

DRIBBLES

Green was elbowed in the mouth by an unintentional elbow from Collison at Tuesday's practice but finished the session...Mason is walking with the aid of crutches and will need them for the next few days while recovering from minor arthroscopic surgery on his right knee...Weaver will receive his third straight start at shooting guard tonight against Denver.