Thunder coach Scott Brooks is remaining upbeat even though losses continue to pile up on his record.
Brooks, unlike many young coaches who often live and die with each win or loss, is trying to maintain perspective and enthusiasm despite a 2-16 record as interim coach. "I take each loss hard. I don't accept losing," Brooks said. "But if I focus on the process of getting better the wins will come. The big picture is more important right now.
"Sleep is not easy at times. Frustration is there. But I've always felt that challenges that you'll face have to be tackled with excitement. I can't get down because we're not winning games right now. But don't get me wrong, it's depressing at times."
KRSTIC DECISION TO COME TODAY
The Thunder will learn today whether the New Jersey Nets will match the offer sheet it signed Nenad Krstic to last week. Krstic, a 7-foot center with offensive skills, would bolster Oklahoma City's frontcourt and give the Thunder a consistent threat who can score in the post and from mid-range.
Krstic was in Oklahoma City last week to take his mandatory physical and is expected to join the team immediately if the Nets decline to retain him.
WEAVER WATCH
Rookie guard Kyle Weaver has received meaningful playing time the past two games, replacing Damien Wilkins as the backup shooting guard.
Against Detroit and Washington, Weaver played a combined 28 minutes and scored six points with four rebounds and two assists.
"One thing about this game that I love is if you bring it every day in practice and try to get better and work on your game, one of these days you're going to get an opportunity," Brooks said. "And he has done that for two months, and he's being rewarded for working every day in practice trying to get better."
PREPARING FOR PHOENIX
After a disappointing loss against Washington, the Thunder hosts the Phoenix Suns tonight, looking to snap a four-game losing streak and avenge a one-point home loss on Nov. 25, when the Suns erased an 11-point fourth quarter deficit with a late rally.
"It's important that we play better," Brooks said. "Phoenix is one of the better teams in Basketball. They made a big trade (to get Jason Richardson), and they're playing good. We have to have a defensive disposition going into every game, and it has to be for 48 minutes. We can't try to outscore teams. We're not built like that."
