Going Big...

...Or how bout playing smallball?

Those are the type of decisions Oklahoma City faces now with the news that shooting guard Desmond Mason is out for the season. He fell awkwardly and hurt his knee against Memphis, putting the Thunder in an unusual position.

Since Mason was installed in the starting lineup, a new attitude made an appearance on the court for OKC. The team used a tougher approach, a never-say-die style that only veteran leadership and energy can bring to a squad. Now the Thunder are without their top defender and need to replace him in a hurry.

Where does the team turn and how will they respond to yet another fallen teammate?

The Grizzlies took advantage right after the injury and forced overtime after OKC seemingly had the game in hand. With no time to introduce another new face, Coach Scott Brooks will turn to the Y.G.T. (Young Gun Trio) and a wrinkle.

Using the next two weeks as a guide, GM Sam Presti will have plenty of time to make a move if needed but will give Brooks the first attempt. Kevin Durant, Jeff Green, and Russell Westbrook can all play multiple positions well, something that helps ease the transition. Nick Collison stands as the fourth rock, in either of the post positions, and he will provide stability in either format deployed in the upcoming games.

The wrinkle comes in the form of four very different players.

If the match-up calls for a 'big' lineup, Brooks can send out Chris Wilcox or Nenad Krstic. Against a quicker foe, Earl Watson or Chucky Atkins may get the call. Either way the Thunder still have options to explore before pulling the trigger on a trade or waiver wire find.

OKC must show patience with a number of difficult games before the All-Star break, and Durant and Co. will have a chance to show just how far the club has come in a short time. After the first winning month in franchise history, my money is on the underdog, and I am not the only one who feels this way.

Carbert passed this on, proving yet again that the Thunder are out to show the NBA world they belong -- one improbable win at a time.