Oklahoma City Thunder: Kevin Durant finds different way to help team win

Let's not pretend Durant is in some kind of slump. Not since December has he gone back-to-back games shooting under 50 percent, and even then his percentages were in the mid-40s.

But last Wednesday in Houston, when Durant made just four of 13 shots, he still produced just the second triple-double of his career, with 12 rebounds and 11 assists.

Similar game Sunday night, and Durant might very well have tripled-doubled again, had the Bulls been courteous enough to make this a ballgame and require Durant to play the fourth quarter.

“I wish I could have made more shots,” Durant repeated. “Just tried to do everything else for the team.”

Thibodeau might very well have used Durant as an example to the Bulls. Thibodeau spent an inordinate amount before emerging from the locker room, then expressed displeasure with his squad's selfishness.

“You have to do what's best for the team, not necessarily what's best for yourself or what will get yourself going,” Thibodeau said. “You can't get stuck in whatever problems you're having individually. You have to do your job for the team first.”

Durant had some problems individually. He made only three of 13 first-half shots.

Didn't matter. The maturation of a superstar continues. Durant found other ways to dominate.

Berry Tramel: Berry can be reached at (405) 760-8080 or at btramel@opubco.com. He can be heard Monday through Friday from 4:40-5:20 p.m. on The Sports Animal radio network, including FM-98.1. You can also view his personality page at newsok.com/berrytramel.