As we've discussed, Oklahoma City saw two major changes last weekend: Scott Brooks replaced P.J. Carlesimo as coach, and Kevin Durant moved from the two-guard to small forward (which adds a second guard -- Damien Wilkins -- to the lineup). How has Durant taken to the shifts?Well, Durant lead the Thunder to its second win of the season, this one at Memphis. Durant had 30 points on 16 FGAs. He had 16 FTAs, tying a career high. Despite mounting losses, KD has played well in four of the five games since the move. (The outlier: a 13-point, 6-for-16 shooting night matched up against the world's best player, LeBron James.)
But the positive changes haven't just helped Durant: Russell Westbrook got his first career start Saturday, replacinga healthy Earl Watson. Westbrook had 12/5/4 in 38 minutes with only two turnovers. The team has also taken to the slower styles Brook implemented, slicing its turnover rate magnificently. (Who knew young players would be better off in a patient offense where they can think things through instead of being forced to read on the fly?) Brooks wasted no time in shaking up the Thunder. When you take over a 1-12 team, I guess things can only get better. But Brooks seems to be exceeding all expectations to this point.
