Thunder notebook: Jeff Green's consistency continues to improve

BY DARNELL MAYBERRY, Staff Writer, dmayberry@opubco.com Comments 0
Published: November 6, 2009

The most consistent Thunder player through four games has been forward Jeff Green, who enters tonight’s game at Houston averaging 19.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.0 blocks. Green is averaging 40.5 minutes per game and is shooting 50 percent from the field, 42.1 percent from the 3-point line and 83.3 percent from the free-throw line.

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Thunder coach Scott Brooks said Green’s early production is largely a result of him being in his third season and feeling more comfortable with the league and nightly matchups.

"He’s a tremendous talent that plays the right way,” Brooks said. "He plays solid, consistent basketball that a coach can count on. And he’s even taken it up to another level.”

Brooks challenged Green at the start of the season to leave everything on the floor this year, and the coach has seen the player respond by being exhausted at the end of games.

"I think he’s doing a great job of focusing and doing what we need him to do,” Kevin Durant said. "He’s always a mismatch for either team. And he’s been playing great ... He’s been the leader that we picked him to be.”

LIVINGSTON TO SEE TIME SOON

Point guard Shaun Livingston could soon make his season debut, Brooks said Thursday.

"I like what he’s done the last two practices,” Brooks said. "I can’t predict the future, but I’m confident if I put him in he’s going to be ready. I believe in what he brings to our team. But he has to be ready to play when his number is called and it definitely will happen.”

Kevin Ollie has received the minutes at backup point guard. But Livingston brings a different style that could give the Thunder another dimension. Ollie is a veteran who will settle the team down and make few mistakes. Livingston is a player who is going to make a play.

"They both are good at what they do,” Brooks said. "I just have to pick and choose what I need at that time.”

WESTBROOK BATTLING SORE BACK

Russell Westbrook has been wearing a heating pad around his midsection when seated on the bench the past two games. The gear is a precaution, however, as Westbrook attempts to stay loose while not in games.

"He has a sore back,” Brooks said. "Nothing serious. He’s never sat out a practice or anything. It just keeps it warm and keeps it ready to fire once he gets on the court.”

Westbrook certainly looked fine Thursday. He was lobbing passes to himself at a goal before finishing with windmill dunks.