Displeased by Monday's loss to the Thunder, Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban ripped his team in the Dallas Morning News. Cuban lashed out, stating, "if each player can't take the personal initiative to make every game important, and play like it, I don't see them being here next season."
Thunder coach Scott Brooks' response: "I understand Dallas is a very talented team, and they might have had an off night. They can say whatever they want to say. But we played aggressive, hard, physical, good Basketball with two of our better players out." HOME COURT EDGE
Since New Year's Eve, Oklahoma City is 10-6 in the Ford Center, including wins over playoff-caliber teams Utah, Portland, Dallas and Detroit. Three of the six home losses the past two months were last-second losses to Denver (Carmelo Anthony twice) and New Orleans (Chris Paul).
The only other three home losses the past two months were a 98-96 loss to Houston, a loss to the Lakers when Kobe Bryant scored 15 fourth-quarter points and a loss to the Heat when Dwyane Wade scored 32 points and had 10 assists.
ZONE BUSTER
Zone defense is rare in the NBA, but the Mavericks used a zone both Friday and Monday to spark comeback rallies. Brooks said the team has worked on facing zones more the past two days.
"The last game (Monday against Dallas), we were hesitant to take a good shot and turned it over," Brooks said. "We drove into traffic, and they did a good job of being physical and swiping at the ball... The key (to beating a zone) is to have good spacing, make good passes and knock down shots when you're open."
MILITARY APPRECIATION NIGHT
The Thunder partnered with USAA to salute service members and their families at Wednesday's game. More than 1,800 tickets were donated by season-ticket holders. At halftime, Oklahoma Purple Heart recipients were honored. All fans in attendance received mini U.S. flags.
Nashville recording artist Dustin Evans performed the national anthem and sang a "If I Die Before You Wake" salute to the military at halftime. Thunder fans also were allowed to purchase Thunder items that will be sent in a military care package. A Thunder Appreciation Night commemorative coin was given to the first 2,000 military personnel in attendance.
