Gordon Hayward opens up on 'difficult adjustment' period after Thunder win vs Spurs

After recording their first stretch of three-straight losses this season, the OKC Thunder have followed up by rattling off three consecutive wins, most recently coming in blowout fashion over the San Antonio Spurs.

The contest seemingly got out of hand soon after the opening tip, as Oklahoma City went on an 11-0 run through the initial three minutes of action and held Gregg Popovich's club to a mere 11 points total in the first period alone.

Because of this obviously lopsided affair, some of Mark Daigneault's non-star players received the green light to get into a groove rather than kowtow to the regularly run scheme and system.

One of said players who appeared to have benefited from this approach was Gordon Hayward, a player who, since attained at the deadline from the Charlotte Hornets, has failed to live up to initial expectations.

From his aggressiveness to his silky smooth jumper, Wednesday night served as a reminder of what the veteran could bring to the table when fully comfortable and in synch with teammates.

Of course, after two months of serving as a member of the Thunder, there will be those who believe he should have already grown accustomed to his new environment. However, during his postgame presser, the former All-Star opened up about the "difficult adjustment" period that he's endured since making his way to the 405.

Gordon Hayward talks 'difficult adjustment' period with OKC Thunder

"These guys were rolling long before I got here. Also I was out for probably two months with a pretty serious calf injury so trying to find my rhythm, find myself back from that and also integrate into the team and find my spots of where I can be aggressive and where I can help us. I think it's kind of been an ongoing process [and I'm] still working through that."

- Gordon Hayward

Hayward went on to log just shy of 20 minutes played and wrapped up with 18 points (his highest point total since joining the Thunder) on a highly efficient 75.0 percent shooting from the floor and 66.7 percent shooting from distance.

With the playoffs right around the corner, the ideal scenario would be for the forward to find a way to tap into this level of productivity on a more consistent basis and help lead the charge off the pine for this title-hungry OKC team.

Though his averages of 5.1 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.6 assists to this point don't necessarily scream "gamechanger," the efficiency in his jumper had continued to present itself (cashing in on 53.6 percent of his long-range attempts with the team) and Wednesday night's outing shows just how well he can perform once in a groove.