Not giving in, preventing slippage and denying momentary lapses in effort and energy is a near impossibility in the NBA. When a team gets on a streak of accomplishing that task, however, it tries to maintain that level of play for as long as possible.
For the last 15 quarters of play, since the first quarter of the Thunder’s victory over the Los Angeles Clippers, the Thunder has led or been tied for every second of play. The concentration, focus and consistent level of intensity that is required to accomplish such a feat in those wire-to-wire victories is remarkable, but Head Coach Scott Brooks knows that is just a statement of his squad’s typical state of mind.
“We’ve had to do that all season long,” Brooks explained. “We love the fact that we’re winning games right now, but our team has always been focused. We’re playing good basketball right now. We have a nice rhythm.”
“It’s been an unbelievable job of focus from top to bottom of being locked in from shootaround to pregame to the actual game, then carrying it over to the next day,” guard Anthony Morrow said. “The discipline that we see every day from our leaders, we have to continue to let those things rub off on everybody.”
Continuing to get the production, determination and mental toughness from the squad will be crucial moving forward, starting this weekend with the team’s road-home back-to-back against the Charlotte Hornets and Denver Nuggets. All the while, the Thunder will try to get the players it acquired at the trade deadline – Enes Kanter, DJ Augustin, Kyle Singler and Steve Novak – integrated into the team’s offensive and defensive systems.
“It’s a process,” Brooks said. “We’re excited to have them all. The quicker we can get them on the court, we can expedite that process. It takes time to pick things up.”
Over the years, Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and Nick Collison have shepherded in an environment that fosters growth, development and care for one another inside the locker room. Every time newcomers arrive in the Thunder organization, that trio is integral in shaping their experience and helping them get adjusted to what the team does on a daily basis – both on and off the court.
“Those guys have been here,” Brooks explained. “They understand our team, our system and how we play as well as the coaches. Those guys are great examples.”
Kanter has been seen on a grander stage during his time in Utah and has shown his ability to be a physical presence in the paint on both the offensive and defensive ends, in addition to being a rebounder. Novak is a knock-down shooter who has proven over his years in the league that he can consistently make shots from long distance.
Augustin is a player that has had an interesting ride in the league so far, showing the NBA that he can be an impact player for a contending team. Last season he was an integral piece for the Chicago Bulls and he has performed at a high level for the Detroit Pistons when called upon this season. The veteran point guard knows how to run a team, plays the right way and can be a factor as a facilitator and scorer while also making himself felt on the defensive end.
“I like the toughness that he brings to the table,” Brooks said. “Every night he’s had to battle to be in the position that he’s in. He’s making a nice career for himself. He’s a great shooter. He can run the team. He looks to make plays for others. He’s a pesky defender. He’s a great pickup for us.”
Singler is another intriguing addition to the Thunder squad because of his workmanlike nature and his ability to guard both the shooting guard and small forward positions thanks to his size and relentlessness. The veteran has also continually improved his long-rang shot over the years in the league and a factor from behind the arc. Where and how Brooks utilizes him remains to be seen, but he has valuable tools for the team to explore.
“He’s a good defensive player,” Brooks said. “He’s a hustler. He’s a scrappy guy. He’s a system player. He’s a guy who, if there’s a loose ball, you know he’s going to be around it. He’s going to chase the ball down, he’s going to fight through screens.”