When you're 5-30, you savor every win.
But there are lessons to be learned in wins just like losses. Just when it appeared the Thunder might coast to its first double-digit win, they still needed some key defensive stops and clutch free throws down the stretch to hold off the Knicks 107-99 Tuesday night at the Ford Center.
A crowd of 18,487 got a little antsy after a 23-point third-quarter lead was whittled to 93-91 with 8:21 remaining.
"We can't let off the pedal," Jeff Green said. "We've got to focus in a little bit more. But we handled it well."
The Thunder's 23-point cushion evaporated in the equivalent of one quarter.
"When they cut it down to two we stepped it back up and held our ground," Desmond Mason said. "But first things first is we can't give up 23-point leads. We have to develop a killer instinct."
Oklahoma City's three young stars once again led the way, combining for 76 points. Green and Kevin Durant scored 27 each. Russell Westbrook added 22 points and nine assists.
"I've felt we were close to turning the corner for a long time," Durant said. "In the games we came up short we were two or three plays away. These last few games we've made the big plays at the end. Everybody has been chipping in, especially on the defensive end."
