Thunder notebook: Serge Ibaka provides big lift

New Orleans ranks second in opponent points per game, allowing just 91.7 a game. But with Chris Paul and David West, the Hornets have one of the best point guard/power forward duos in the league.

“We have to do a good job of trying to contain Chris Paul, which is hard on all teams that he plays against,” Brooks said. “We can't get frustrated with what do because he's seen just about every defense, and he's able to have success.”

Paul is second in the NBA in assists at 10.5 per game, while West leads the Hornets in scoring at 18.8 points per game.

“We have to do a good job of containing those two and not let any of their other guys be a wild card,” Brooks said.

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Thunder coach Scott Brooks on Russell Westbrook — “You know that he's improved when you think the game he had (Wednesday) night was just another game for Russell. But what he did in that game was not easy. I don't take it for granted what he does every night. And he's pretty consistent.”