Thunder notebook: Experience wins out for backup point guard duty

Before Friday night’s game against Detroit, Thunder coach Scott Brooks for the first time announced that Kevin Ollie will serve as the team’s backup point guard and explained why the minutes aren’t going to Shaun Livingston.

"I just wanted a guy that was going to give us solid, consistent minutes, and I think Kevin right now is the guy,” Brooks said. "I think Kevin has done a great job. We have some options, but Kevin is our backup point guard right now.”

Brooks said Livingston and Kyle Weaver, who played spot minutes at point guard last year, are both still in the mix for the role, adding all three must continue to improve while staying ready. Brooks pointed to Ollie’s experience and performance in the preseason as reasons he won the job.

"I wasn’t judging him on a lot of minutes. I was judging him by the minutes that I need from that backup position,” Brooks said.

Ollie said he hasn’t been promised anything in terms of minutes or how long he has the job.

"I’m just going to go out there and try to prepare myself like I’m a starter,” Ollie said. "But whatever minutes I get I’ll be satisfied with. And hopefully I can just prepare myself to take on the brunt of the season and stay healthy.”

ESTABLISHING IDENTITY

As the games pile up for the Thunder, one of the things coaches and players will attempt to do is figure out what kind of team this is. Questions that need answering include whether the Thunder can win on the road, if it can close out games and play with consistent effort for 48 minutes.

"I think it evolves throughout the season,” Brooks said. "I know there’s going to be a time when we feel good with what we’re doing and what we put in and know exactly what we have to do.

"I hate to put a game (number) on it. We’re just going to focus on getting better and evolving our game and being more consistent with our game. I think that’s going to continue to happen as our team grows together and the chemistry continues to build.”

BROOKS WILL LET DURANT PLAY

After averaging 39 minutes last season, Brooks said Kevin Durant will be in the high 30s again this season. Durant played 42 minutes in Wednesday’s season opener against Sacramento.

"He’s earning those minutes and showing that he can continue to handle those minutes,” Brooks said. "He’s young enough that his body can react and respond to high 30s. I think that’s a good number for him.”

BRIEFLY

Fans voted Tuesday’s game against the Lakers as the Fan Choice of the week to be broadcast on NBATV...The Pistons showed their support for Breast Cancer awareness Friday by wearing pink. Coaches, team employees and fans wore pink shirts with the message, "Let’s go work for the cure.” Some Pistons players wore pink headbands. The Thunder coaching staff joined the cause by wearing matching pink ties...Serge Ibaka, the 24th overall pick in 2008, made his NBA debut Friday when he checked into the game with 2:53 remaining in the second quarter. He played the final 2:53 of the half and pulled down one rebound. ...Ben Gordon needed three stitches over his left eye when he landed hard on the court following the final play of the first half.

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