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OKC Thunder: Practice Round-Up 22-2-17

By Matthew Hallett

Mar 18, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Enes Kanter (11) in prayer prior to action against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. The Oklahoma City Thunder won 111-97.Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Enes Kanter (11) in prayer prior to action against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. The Oklahoma City Thunder won 111-97.Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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After the All-Star game, there was finally some movement back at the OKC Thunder practice arena.

There was a fantastic bit of news from the first OKC Thunder practice today since the All-Star break. Enes Kanter was back at practice. It was not full contact, but it was a good sign. Fortunately, all the chairs were all moved out of the way, just in case.

Having Kanter back in practice may mean that Sam Presti stands pat at the trade deadline. We will see.

Russell Westbrook

Source: Oklahoma City Thunder Video – Russell Westbrook

Russell Westbrook was interviewed by the media after his time in New Orleans. He was asked how he felt, if he had taken a break mentally from basketball. Seriously, the media need to know their subject matter. Russell Westbrook does not stop thinking about the game, ever.

This was proven when asked if he was aware where the team was at. Again, this is Russell Westbrook, he is a man who is team the whole way. He is fully aware of the team and what they need to do over the next 25 games.They need to win, both on the road and at home. It really is quite a simple proposition.

Must Read: Dispelling the myths and appreciating Russell Westbrook for who he is

All that Westbrook wants to focus on is playing the best basketball he can. That is something that he has been doing for the entire season thus far.

In another display of professionalism, when asked if he was talking to the front office about the direction of the team he showed a straight face. As far as Westbrook is concerned, he is there to play basketball. Hopefully this means that he has total confidence in the efforts of Presti.

Billy Donovan

Source: Oklahoma City Thunder Video – Billy Donovan

Billy Donovan was happy for the All-Star break so that his players could heal their bodies and rest their mind. It appears that it has worked with Kanter coming back to practice.

With 25 games to go, Donovan focused the practice on defense. He wanted the team to focus on defense. The team needs to focus on transition defense as well as pick and roll coverage. Hopefully Kanter was studying hard on this one.

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The other area which the Thunder need to work on with regards to their defense is to defend without fouling. This is going to be especially vital in the Playoffs. The Thunder are a very good team at getting to the line. He does not want the good work undone by giving easy points up from the line.

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Donovan pointed out that the Thunder have been better this year on the defensive glass. Something achieved without two of their starting three front-court from last year.

On offense, Donovan is putting the focus on taking care of the basketball on offense. This will come from the team playing together and understanding the systems better. This will allow the Thunder to get better shots, another focus of Donovan.

All in all, a good practice for the Thunder.

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