Thunder notebook: Oklahoma City's shooting off, then on against Hornets

OKC started the game 0 for 5 from the field and started the second half 0 for 7. Other than that, the Thunder went 34 for 52 (.654) from the floor.

Russell Westbrook was 1 for 10 through three quarters and finished 4 for 14. Thabo Sefolosha finished 1 for 6. Take away Westbrook and Sefolosha, and OKC was 29 for 44 (.659) from the floor.

Meanwhile, Kevin Durant didn't miss his first shot until 8:06 in the third quarter (5 for 5 from the field; 6 for 6 from the line until that point). He finished 9 for 13 and 7 for 7 for a game-high 25 points.

GOOD AND BAD

The Thunder ranking last in opponent offensive rebounding (13.4) is not all bad news because it's an indirect result of opponents missing so many shots.

OKC entered Wednesday night first the league in opponent field-goal percentage (.412) and second in opponent 3-point percentage (.287).

"We're making teams miss," Thunder coach Scott Brooks said. "Obviously when you're making teams miss, there's more offensive rebounds for the other team to get. We have to reward ourselves with that rebound."

BOARD BATTLE

With roughly 85 seconds left against the Hornets, Thunder center Kendrick Perkins fought off Durant and Sefolosha for a defensive rebound.

A frowning Perkins eventually came up with the ball and wrapped both arms around it. Durant smiled while jogging down court.

There have been several instances this season when OKC players have fought for defensive rebounds, which Brooks said is far better than no one going for the board.

"You know what," Perkins explained earlier Wednesday, "I don't mind Serge (Ibaka) taking the rebound from me, but I have a problem when the guards start coming in there and rebounding."