Thunder notebook: Metta World Peace suspended seven games

“The concussion suffered by James Harden demonstrates the danger posed by violent acts of this kind, particularly when they are directed at the head area,” NBA Commissioner David Stern said in a statement. “We remain committed to taking necessary measures to protect the safety of NBA players, including the imposition of appropriate penalties for players with a history of on-court altercations.”

Harden has yet to pass the league's evaluation testing for concussions and did not play in the Thunder's 118-110 victory over the Kings. His status remains day-to-day for Wednesday night's season finale against Denver at Chesapeake Energy Arena.

The suspension will begin with the Lakers' next game at Sacramento on Thursday. The remaining games of the suspension will be served during the next six games in which the player is eligible and physically able to play, including this season's playoffs.

Afterward, OKC players and coaches had little reaction to World Peace's suspension, saying it was the league's decision and they accept it.

“Right now, we're not focused on that anymore,” said Thunder reserve guard Daequan Cook, who scored all 19 of his points in the fourth quarter. “We know it's about James getting healthy and getting right for the postseason.”

COOK ON FIRE

Cook shot 6 for 9 from the field and 4 for 5 from 3-point range in his heroic fourth-quarter performance that essentially won the game for the Thunder.

OKC coach Scott Brooks said what he liked most about Cook's performance was him not getting gun-shy after his missed his first two shots of the game.

“He didn't get down on himself,” Brooks said. “He came back and stayed aggressive. DC is a terrific shooter, but he has to continue to believe in that shot and keep shooting it. The last five or six games when he missed a shot, he kind of got down on himself. If you do that, you can never make the next shot. It's always about the next shot if you're a shooter like he is. I like the fact that he came back and hit a bunch of big shots for us.”

COACH DECKER

As part of the Make-A-Wish Foundation event, Putnam City North senior golfer Lorelei Decker served as the Thunder's coach Tuesday.

The 17-year-old Decker was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma in late January. Survival rate for Decker's type of cancer is 80 percent or better, and the family has been encouraged by recent blood tests. Decker spent Tuesday morning with players and coaches.

“She's very down to earth, a lot of energy,” All-Star Kevin Durant said of Decker. “She's someone that we really enjoy here. She did a great job. She wasn't shy. She just told us what we needed to do better as a team. She said we need to rebound better. She was good, man. I'm happy that she came out to help us out. She made me step up my level a little bit. She was great.”