Since returning from a seven-game absence caused by a sprained right ankle, Kevin Durant has struggled to find his offensive rhythm, shooting just 43.1 percent in his first four games back from injury. Durant was shooting 53.8 percent in February.
"I don't think it's there yet," Durant said of his shooting touch. "I'm an impatient guy. The last couple of games I was kind of mad because it hasn't been there. But (coach) Scotty (Brooks) just told me to take my time, be patient with it, it's going to come back and continue to do the other things." Durant is averaging 24.8 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists since returning to the lineup, but he has yet to shoot better than 45 percent in a game.
"I try to work as hard as I can after practice and try to do the little things even if it's 10 or 15 minutes," Durant said. "Just work on my game and slowly it'll come back. So that's what I'm doing and hopefully next game it'll be back."
FRUSTRATION SHOWS AFTER UTAH LOSS
Thunder players were visibly angry following Friday's loss to Utah. Forward Jeff Green declined to talk to the media after the game, and the Thunder's locker room was as silent as it's been all season following a loss.
"We get mad after every loss," Durant said. "And we can't wait till the next game to redeem ourselves. That's the best thing about this team. We never quit. We never get down. We just come back in practice the next day and work hard. We got a good team in Minnesota coming up who beat us pretty badly last time. So we got to come out and play hard against them."
BALL MOVEMENT RETURNS
After recording just 13 assists in three of four games, the Thunder finished Friday's game with 25 assists.
"I think that the assists thing is good," Durant said.
"Guys are finding people, and it starts with me. I've got to get everybody involved early. Me, Russell (Westbrook), Jeff, we got to start that off."
HIGH PRAISE FOR Thunder'S FUTURE
After stealing a win against the Thunder by scoring 20 of his 24 points in the second half, Utah point guard Deron Williams spoke glowingly about Oklahoma City's roster and its future.
"This is a tough team," Williams said. "The coach is doing a great job over there.
"This time of year young teams are playing great. They are playing like playoff teams. They are dangerous and have some young superstars over there. They are going to be really good in a couple of years."
