Oklahoma City Thunder notebook: Scott Brooks shortens bench in loss to Boston

Given the overall lack of effectiveness from OKC reserves, however, Brooks appeared to have no other choice.

Against the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night, the Thunder bench scored 38 points and shot a combined 14 for 24 (. 583) from the field.

On Friday night against the Celtics, OKC reserves converted just 5 of 17 (. 294) from the floor and were outscored 35-13 by the Boston bench.

Brooks did play sixth man Kevin Martin for 31:42, but he responded by converting just 1 for 7 from the field and also had three turnovers. Eric Maynor shot just 1 for 5 and was 0 for 4 from 3-point range. Nick Collison performed well with eight points and four rebounds, but only played 17:46.

In plus-minus numbers, center Hasheem Thabeet was minus-15 in just 6:47. Martin also was minus-15 and Maynor was minus-11.

“You know, K-Mart didn't play well, but they didn't get a lot of opportunities, either,” Brooks said of his bench players. “I shortened up the bench, but when we got down big I felt we needed some scoring and put Kevin (Durant) at the 4, so I took Nick out and Eric didn't play much and Thabeet didn't play much.”

IBAKA'S SURGE

Thunder forward Serge Ibaka continues to rise with his overall play and finished with 17 points, 13 rebounds and two blocked shots Friday.

“Serge, as well all know, is improving right in front of our eyes,” Brooks said. “He was good both ends of the floor and that's what we need.”