Oklahoma City Thunder notebook: Kevin Martin credits health for hot start

“Obviously we don't want to have high turnovers,” Brooks said. “That's something that has plagued us throughout this early part of our season. But it's something that we're going to keep working on, we're going to drill, we're going to watch film and we're going to try to cut down those sloppy turnovers.”

Durant thinks he has a simpler solution.

“As far as turnovers,” he said, “I think we've got the right intentions but we've just got to be stronger with the ball and make better passes — and keep the ball out of my hands.”

THABEET TAKES A TUMBLE

With 10:30 left to play Thursday night, reserve center Hasheem Thabeet landed awkwardly after attempting to block a driving layup by Bulls guard Nate Robinson.

Thabeet immediately began wincing as he fell to the floor beneath the basket. He clutched his left knee while down but was able to get up and line up for ensuing free throw attempts by Chicago center Joakim Noah.

Following the first foul shot by Noah, however, Thabeet checked out of the game and went directly to the locker room. He returned to the bench moments later after being cleared to continue playing. A team official said Thabeet had a mild left ankle sprain.

TIP-INS

A 7,600-word cover story on the Thunder will appear in this Sunday's editions of The New York Times Magazine. It can be read now at www.nytimes.com. ... Eric Maynor scored 10 points with three assists in 12 minutes off the bench Thursday. … Serge Ibaka appeared to roll his ankle late in Thursday's game. He played through obvious discomfort and finished the game. … The Thunder missed 10 of its first 12 shots but ended the opening quarter by making nine of its final 12. … Ibaka and Thabo Sefolosha combined to score 16 of the Thunder's first 18 points … Ibaka went 1-for-1 from 3-point range Thursday. He's now 1-for-3 from beyond the arc this season.