The integration process is far from over, but the early returns are positive so far for the Thunder.
With 27 games remaining in the regular season, Head Coach Scott Brooks’ squad has an opportunity to gel during its push for the playoffs, including tonight as it hosts the Denver Nuggets. Newcomers Enes Kanter, DJ Augustin, Kyle Singler and Steven Novak all have different skill sets that provide the coaching staff with options. As Brooks and company sort out rotations, lineup combinations and playing time moving forward, much of it can be decided on a game-to-game basis because of the unique abilities that each of the 15 men on the roster provide.
As for the quartet of new players, it isn’t just up to the coaching staff to get them in a rhythm on the floor. Much of that responsibility falls to point guard and team leader Russell Westbrook, whose leadership was a major factor in the Thunder’s victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday night, when Kanter scored 10 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, Augustin added 12 points including a crucial three-pointer late in the game, while Singler added two three-pointers and an assist.
“I thought they did a great job,” Westbrook said. “All of the guys came in and contributed at a high level, especially with the circumstances coming in. It was our first game together. It kind of looked like we didn’t lose a step. Everybody came in and everybody played their game to the best of their ability.”
“We feel confident with what we have as a unit, especially with the great pieces we have,” Westbrook explained. “Once we get everybody healthy and rolling, we are going to be tough to beat. For now, we have to come in every night and take care of business.”
Augustin finished out the game alongside Westbrook in the backcourt, providing another intriguing option as a ball-handler, shooter and playmaker. Brooks typically likes to have multiple creators on the floor at the same time, so the addition of Augustin as the team’s backup point guard but also a crunch-time combo guard is an intriguing option moving forward.
“Either one of us can handle the ball and run pick-and-rolls.” Augustin said. “It worked out well. Russ is a great playmaker; not only can he score, but he can make plays for others.”
Kanter was also a major factor in the Thunder’s victory over Charlotte, even beyond his double-double. The fourth-year big man was a physical presence in the paint all night on both ends of the floor and also made one of the most selfless plays of the game in crunch time. Augustin drove and dished to Kanter in the short corner, who swung the ball to Ibaka at the elbow for a wide open jumper to push the Thunder’s lead to 98-94 in the midst of a crucial 8-0 run.
“He’s a great asset to our team,” Westbrook said. “He’s a willing passer. He did a great job tonight.”
As for the Thunder’s matchup with Denver tonight, it will be imperative that the squad plays to its strengths on defense, on the boards and with free-flowing offense. With the team a bit in flux due to the additions to the team, it will be incumbent upon Westbrook to keep the club on an even keel throughout the 48 minutes.
“I take pride in leadership,” Westbrook explained. “Part of my job is to be a leader and to lead these new guys and the guys that we have already and try to help us win games.”
Broadcast Information
Tip-Off: 6:00 p.m. CT
Television: Fox Sports Oklahoma
Radio: Thunder Radio Network, WWLS the Sports Animal