26-year old center Nenad Krstic is a big part of the future for the Thunder and that future is now. Krstic knows his role with the Thunder and that is to play defense and rebound. He has played in 61 games (all starts) for the Thunder this season and he is averaging 22.7 minutes, 8.2 points, 5.0 rebounds and 0.8 assists per game. Krstic is capable of more offense if the Thunder ever need him to provide it but for now they are really happy with what he is giving them.

Leading up to last night’s game against the San Antonio Spurs, Oklahoma City Thunder star Kevin Durant had gone 29 straight games scoring 25 or more points.  Durant had 17 points at halftime, and it looked like he was going to extend his impressive scoring streak to 30 games.  The Spurs’ pesky Manu Ginobli came out in the second half and played some tough defense on Durant, including an impressive block on a two-handed, fast break dunk Durant attempted late in the 4th quarter.  That block was a key play in the game, and it took all of the momentum from the Thunder, who ended up losing 95-87.  Durant went scoreless in the final quarter and his long scoring streak came to an end.  He finished the game with 21 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks.  The streak is a franchise record and the third longest streak of 25+ points by a forward in NBA history.  It is also the longest streak since Michael Jordan’s 40 game streak in 1986-87.  During the 29-game streak, the Thunder went 20-9 and Durant shot 51% from the field and averaged 32.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.9 blocks.  This was a really impressive streak that Durant had going, especially when you consider the fact that he is only 21-years-old and it is only his third year in the NBA.

Kevin Durant has been impressive in the NBA ever since he stepped on to the court as a rookie two seasons ago, but he has taken his game to another level this season.  Durant is currently the leading scorer in the NBA, averaging 29.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.4 steals, 0.9 blocks, while shooting 48% from the field and 39% from three.  Durant is also on a very impressive scoring streak, scoring 25+ points in 29 consecutive games.  It is the second longest streak in 35 years, with Michael Jordan the only player to have a longer streak of games with 25+ points (40) in the 1986-87 season.  Durant is not only putting up some great individual stats but he is also leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to a lot of victories.  Their record is at 33-22, which is currently the 6th best record in a loaded Western Conference and only 3.5 games back of their division lead.  Considering the Thunder went 23-59 last season, it shows they are one of the most improved teams in the league and Durant is the main reason why.  The Thunder had one 9 straight games before losing 104-102 last night against the Suns, where Durant put up 36 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals.  Durant has put himself up at the “elite” status in the NBA this season, amongst guys like Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Carmelo Anthony.

Rookie point guard Eric Maynor is playing really well for the Thunder since coming over from the Jazz in a trade. Maynor has played in 23 games (0 starts) for the Thunder and he is averaging 15.3 minutes, 4.4 points, 1.7 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game. The best thing about Maynor is that he allows Russell Westbrook to get the time off needed to stay fresh. In fact, Westbrook’s shooting has gotten better since Maynor came over from the Jazz.

Starting point guard Russell Westbrook is really playing well for the Thunder so far this season. He has played in 40 games (all starts) this season for the Thunder and he is averaging 16.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, 7.4 assists and 1.1 steals per game. Westbrook only has one real weakness in his game and that is that he is not a good shooter. He is shooting only 40% from the floor and 25.9% from three point range so far this season. Westbrook is the second leading scorer on the Thunder but they need him to take better shots. He is the point guard so he could just pass the ball more.