Unable to close out the Mavericks, Oklahoma City is lucky to be leaving town with only a loss. Star Kevin Durant left in the first quarter with an ankle injury and will probably be held out against Memphis for precaution.
The Thunder held a 12-point lead in the fourth quarter before Dallas stormed all the way back. Only a dramatic Russell Westbrook trey forced the game into overtime where his counterpart at point guard took over. Jason Kidd did not score in regulation, but his ten points in the extra session put the home team ahead for good.
Poor shooting and no Durant spelled disaster for OKC down the stretch. There was no one to calm the young team down, and the Mavs forced multiple turnovers because of it. The Thunder proved they can play without KD, but it is not something they want to do for long.
Jeff Green took over the role of scorer, as he and Westbrook combined for 61 points. Green added 12 rebounds and made a number of big plays to answer Dirk Nowitzki. Dallas used another dominating performance by their All-Star (41 points, 9 rebounds) to off-set the lack of another scorer. Jason Terry is still out, and Josh Howard was in foul trouble most of the game.
The rest of the squad picked up the slack in KD's absence, and another road test is on the horizon. Coach Scott Brooks will have his hands full if Durant is sidelined for any length of time, but the Thunder has to focus on the things they can control.
As they kept up the pressure, OKC's defense was better for most of the game. Thabo Sefolosha gave Howard fits and nearly added his own double-double. Malik Rose made his team debut and brought energy to the group. Everyone will need to step up against Memphis, who didn't play Friday night.
Carbert will have the injury update on Durant in his Grizzlies preview, as the Thunder look to stop the losing streak before the schedule hits March.
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