With everyone healthy, Kyle Weaver has returned to a role off the bench after averaging 10.4 points as a starter the past seven games. Weaver remains in the rotation and can cement a spot on next year's roster.

"His minutes won't be like they were, but he did a good job when he was thrown in there," Brooks said. "That's what you want to see when someone gets an opportunity. He stepped up."

INJURY UPDATE

Nenad Krstic was in the starting lineup two days after receiving six stitches near his right eyebrow, the result of an incidental elbow from Shaquille O'Neal in the fourth quarter Saturday night in Phoenix. Krstic said he had a mild headache Sunday but had no leftover symptoms on Monday. Forward Nick Collison, who sat out two games last week with a strained groin, said he didn't suffer a setback the past two games.

STRONG FINISH

Ten of the Thunder's final 16 games are against teams in position to make the playoffs. While it makes for a challenge, it's also an opportunity for a young team that's improved the past two months to make a statement.

"It's important to utilize all our practices and games these last four weeks," Brooks said. "It's important that we keep improving. We're playing incredible teams fighting for playoff positioning, but it's a great opportunity for us."