Getting technical

The Thunder has been on a run of victories (19-6) since acquiring center Kendrick Perkins from the Boston Celtics on Feb. 24. OKC also has been on a run of technical fouls.

Perkins’ toughness and attitude have become infectious and the Thunder’s demeanor has noticeably become more aggressive. Since Perkins first stepped on the court for OKC on March 14 at Washington, the Thunder has been whistled for 15 technical fouls in 16 games (Nick Collison’s technical last Friday against Denver has been rescinded). Before Perkins took the court, OKC had 23 technicals in 65 games.

during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, April 5, 2011, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

Even mild-mannered Thunder coach Scott Brooks has changed, getting his two technicals four games apart.

Here is a breakdown of technical fouls for Thunder players before/after Perkins first played for OKC (and their season total):

Perkins - 4/7 (11); Russell Westbrook – 7/1 (8); Serge Ibaka - 5/1 (6); Nate Robinson - 4/0 (4); Kevin Durant – 2/1 (3); Nazr Mohammed – 2/1 (3); x-Nick Collison – 0/1 (1); Thabo Sefolosha – 1/1 (2); Coach Scott Brooks – 0/2 (2); James Harden – 1/0 (1); Eric Maynor – 1/0 (1); Daequan Cook – 1/0 (1); Royal Ivey – 1/0 (1); Byron Mullens – 1/0 (1); Cole Aldrich - 0/0 (0).  Also: Jeff Green – 1; Nenad Krstic – 1; D.J. White – 1.