Thunder notebook: Rockets have been a riddle

“It has to take place over time,” Brooks said. “And it has, not just between (Durant and Westbrook) but our team. Everybody feels comfortable with each other, and guys do a great job of accepting their roles.”

PASSION EVIDENT AT PRACTICE

Tuesday's practice wasn't an uncharacteristically long session. But it was spirited.

“It was a little chippy today, which is good,” Brooks said. “Our guys normally are not like that but I like to see that. I like to see the toughness that needs to be displayed in order to win in this league. And they had it today.”

BRIEFLY

After nursing a bruised left rib over the past few days, rookie center Cole Aldrich returned to practice Tuesday and is available for Wednesday night's game. … Nenad Krstic (back) has been ruled out against the Rockets. Serge Ibaka will again start in his place. … Houston played at home against Sacramento on Tuesday night. The Rockets are 2-4 in the second night of back-to-backs. … The Thunder is 5-2 on Wednesdays.

QUOTABLE

Thunder coach Scott Brooks on assistant coach Mark Bryant injuring centers Cole Aldrich and Byron Mullens in recent practices — “Mark's tough. Mark played, what, 15, 16 years? And he was a bruiser. So you are what you are.”