Oklahoma City Thunder: Thunder prefer talking about winning ballgames instead of streaks

“We definitely think about it,” Brooks admitted. “We don't go through the season not enjoying the work we're putting in and the success we're having, but we're not resting on it. There's a big difference.

“We've talked about it. I congratulate the guys on their effort and their commitment to getting better and their execution. But you also have to still grind, keep pushing forward, keep fighting and clawing because that's who we are. That's how we win.”

Players do not consider discussing active winning streaks as some form of taboo. However, asking Russell Westbrook about being the NBA's active leader with 312 consecutive games played most certainly is.

“It's not wrong (to talk about a winning streak), but our focus is set on getting better every game, getting better as a team,” Sefolosha said. “I think it (being 18-4 and on a nine-game winning streak) is great. It shows progress. It shows that we're improving, that we're going in the right direction. We're playing good, be all realize individually what we can all do better.”

Reserve guard Eric Maynor was quick to point out the date was 12/12/12.

“We're winning and that's good, but at the same time we have to know what we're looking forward to doing,” Maynor said. “We're not winning no championship in December. We tell each other we're playing good right now and coach acknowledges that, but he keeps telling us we can play so much better.”