Thunder basketball: Brooks takes OKC's poor effort 'personal'

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�We can’t allow the ball to continue to get inside the teeth of the defense. It’s done that the past two games. We’re not a team that’s built to outscore teams in the 100s. We have to focus on defense. We have to be able to score off our defense. That’s when we’re fun to coach.”

White aiming to rebound better

After scoring 14 points on 7-for-8 shooting in his NBA debut Sunday, rookie forward D.J. White said he was pleased with his performance but needs to improve his defense and rebounding. He finished with only two rebounds Sunday.

“That’s one thing that I hang my hat on, rebounding,” White said. “I just got to be more aggressive going after them. That’s the main thing.”

Spurs killers

In one of those hard to explain occurrences, the Thunder has played the Spurs as tough as any team on the schedule this season.

The Thunder’s last home win came against San Antonio on March 16, when the Thunder erased a 17-point deficit to win 78-76. Last Tuesday, Oklahoma City owned a double-digit lead much of the second half and held on for a 96-95 win.

“We’ve played pretty well against them,” said Thabo Sefolosha. “We know they’re going to be ready.”

The Spurs will be without guard Manu Ginobili , their third leading scorer, Tuesday because of an ankle injury.

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