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NBA IN OKC THE NEXT STEP A L O O K AT T H E M O M E N T S A N D P H O T O S T H AT M A K E T H E F U T U R E S O B R I G H T FOR OKC’S TEAM

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PUBLISHED WITH STORIES, PHOTOS FROM THE OKLAHOMAN

OPUBCO INSIDE THE BOOK COMMUNICATIONS GROUP PRESIDENT David Thompson 4 | 10 | The altar boy 27 | The beard EXECUTIVE VICE A look at what has made KD Jenni Carlson introduces you found PRESIDENT one of the biggest superstars to the big man in the middle another level to his game Christopher P. Reen in , and the for the Thunder, Kendrick in the playoffs against the NBA. Perkins. . EDITOR & VICE PRESIDENT OF NEWS Kelly Dyer Fry ART DIRECTOR Todd Pendleton SPORTS EDITOR Mike Sherman PROJECT DESIGNER Matthew Clayton >>> The NBA in OKC year in review was published by OPUBCO Communications Group, 9000 Broadway Exten- sion, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73114. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any man- Version 2.9.6.3 10836256_1, colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black 30.06.2011 14:32 ProPag ner without the written permis- sion from OPUBCO Communications Group.

Copyright © 2011 OPUBCO Communications Group, all rights reserved.

ON THE COVER: Oklahoma City’s Kevin Durant slams one home during game 7 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals win over the at the OKC Arena. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman.

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CHAPTER ONE The kindness of Kevin Durant.

STORY BY DARNELL MAYBERRY, THE OKLAHOMAN

ayne Murdoch sat camped under the basket, on the cusp of capturing a potentially picture- perfect portrait. He steadied his lens as the three-on-two fast break crept closer to him. He held his position even when the action became too close for comfort. Suddenly, Kevin Durant slammed into him, the contact from two Charlotte Bobcats defend- ers sending him crashing to the floor following a reverse layup attempt. Durant, the superstar, banged his head at the end of the play. Mur- doch was knocked over on impact. Durant rolled around in pain while rubbing the back of his head. Yet, with his noggin throbbing, and his team nursing a tenuous one- lead in the second half, Durant still had the presence of mind to turn his attention to the well-being of someone else, something more significant than the scoreboard. He asked Murdoch if he was all right. “It kind of cracked me up because I was really concerned about him,” Murdoch said. “I was like, ‘Yeah I’m OK. Are you OK?’” Murdoch is the NBA’s team photographer for the Thunder. In his 31 years of taking NBA photos, he’s been barreled over by everyone from to . The Mailman actually sat on Murdoch with no regard while arguing a call with a referee. And Murdoch’s seen much worse, like the infamous image of Dennis Rodman kicking a cameraman in the groin following a crash in Minnesota — and then laughing about it. But after his collision with Durant, Murdoch joined a rapidly growing group that has experienced the kindness of Kevin Durant. It’s a trait that Durant displays daily, but one that runs deeper than anything fans see on tele- vision.

Now in his fourth season, Durant’s congeniality off the court has become as captivating as anything he’s THE OKLAHOMAN CHRIS LANDSBERGER, BY PHOTO capable of delivering on it. His compassion is all-inclusive. Custodial workers inside Oklahoma City Arena receive the same respect as team chairman Clay Bennett. Fans have been extended the same hos- pitality Durant reserves for friends and family. And it’s no act. Ask anyone who’s been around Durant about his genuineness and they’ll assure you it’s legit. “He’s always had a maturity about him of being that positive role model,” said Utah guard Earl Watson, a teammate of Durant’s during his first two NBA seasons. “He didn’t come into the league as an immature individual, which is rare for someone so young.” Watch Durant work a room, taking time for strangers like they’re old friends, and you’ll forget the young man is still just 22. Most his age haven’t been out of college a full year. Durant, meanwhile, has the weight of a professional sports franchise and, to an extent, a city on his back. And he’s making carrying them look easy. “He’s such a great ambassador to not only our organization but the entire NBA off the floor,” said Thunder coach . Durant is a pro athlete without a sliver of a sense of entitlement. He has an admitted passion for pleasing and “wanting to see people happy.” Of the few times Durant turns down requests, he generally is being ushered away by his handlers. Even then, Durant apologizes and explains he has to go while being hurried away. SEE REST OF STORY ON PAGE 5

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Kevin Durant is the next big thing in the NBA, but most importantly for the Thunder organization, he is a pro athlete without a sliver of a sense of entitle- ment. He has an admitted passion for pleasing and “wanting to see people happy.” Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman

“I just tell myself that I need to do what gingerly into the locker room. A male Wayne Pratt often preached about hav- Jesus would do,” Durant said. “He would usher on one side of the tunnel stopped ing a small window to make a difference do the same thing, go the extra mile just Durant and inquired about where he was and impact lives. Each time Durant stops to please people. So I said why not me?” from. As Durant finished answering and and shakes a hand or poses for a picture, ‘I like to see people smiling’ resumed his trek to the locker room, an that’s what he’s trying to do, knowing full Durant entered the NBA as the next adult male fan rushed down the lower well how much it means to so many to be big thing. He was the player of the year bowl on the other side of the tunnel. The able to meet an NBA player. during his lone season at the University fan asked Durant to pose for a picture. “He understands that it’s a blessing. Ev- of Texas. He was the No. 2 overall pick in Durant did. The decision opened the erything that’s given to you is a blessing,” 2007. And while playing his rookie sea- floodgates, sending kids racing down the said Wayne Pratt. “At the end of the day son with the SuperSonics, Durant aisles like seagulls at the sight of bread. is just a game. And you still often invited neighborhood children in- Durant spent the next five minutes pos- have to be a person after that.” side his home to play video games during ing for pictures and signing autographs — That’s why, after a 40-point perfor- his down time. while standing on his still gimpy ankle. mance, Durant still extends a handshake Today, as a scoring champ, a First- and LeBron James aren’t and a cordial “good night” to each male Team All-NBA selection and a two-time doing that. police officer and usher standing outside All-Star, Durant still caters to fans to an “I like to see people smiling,” Durant the Thunder’s locker room. He might pull almost ridiculous degree. After sustain- said. “So I do whatever it takes.” female officers and ushers in for a hug. ing an ankle sprain during a home game ‘It didn’t have to be you’ Most all of them, Durant addresses by against Indiana, Durant had to leave Durant’s parents, Wayne and Wanda name. It’s why during the game, Durant the arena in a protective boot. With his Pratt, instilled a sense of humility. Wanda generally hands ball boys his sweats and brother, Tony, and good friend, Charlie Pratt has often told her youngest son, “It towels just before he checks back in. Bell, by his side, Durant started to limp didn’t have to be you,” a quote that has Other players are notorious for dropping out of the arena. A member of the cus- stuck with Durant. their warm-ups on the floor and mak- todial staff stopped the three and made “That’s as simple as it can get,” Durant ing the ball boys pick them up, or, worse, small talk. Durant, at the end of an exas- said. “But it taught me that it could be throwing the gear at them. It’s why perating evening, obliged. the guy living across the street that’s in Durant has a nightly routine for signing Two nights later, the injury left Durant my shoes. I was blessed to be a guy that’s autographs at home games: robotically questionable to play at Atlanta. After been chosen to do something. I’ve been warming up early, then relaxing on the testing out his ankle an hour and a half put on this earth to do something that I bench briefly before walking over to a before the game, Durant began to walk love and I can’t take that for granted.” crowd of fans who eagerly line up near SEE REST OF STORY ON PAGE 6

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the Thunder’s tunnel behind the bench when the

doors open an hour and a half before tipoff. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman “They make time for us,” Durant said of the team’s supporters. “They don’t have to go out of their way to drive to the game. They don’t have to go out of their way to buy our jerseys, buy tickets, come scream and support us every game. They can save their money. But they chose to come watch us play. So that’s the least I can do, just showing them that I appreciate them.” ‘He hasn’t changed’ Durant has signed sneakers and personally shipped them to fans who follow him on . He’ll show up at local malls throughout the country and, rather than have security shoo fans away, he’ll post a message on his Twitter account encouraging more fans to join him while he shops. Then he’ll buy them shoes. Teammate has been wowed by how Durant, no matter what time the team bus pulls in, routinely signs autographs for lines of fans waiting outside the team hotel in visiting cities. “He’s as humble as anybody as I’ve ever been around,” Brooks said. Following a game just after Christmas, Durant pulled a necklace over his head. One teammate apparently deemed it unfashionable and unsuitable inside the superficial sanctuary that is an NBA locker room. As the teammate started to make a crack, Durant’s face turned stone cold. He told the teammate his mother had given him the neckwear as a Christmas gift. Durant then asked the teammate if he had anything else to say. The teammate didn’t. He backed down and backpedaled out of the locker room. The scene was subtle but served as perhaps the closest the tightly-knitted Thunder locker room has come this season to having tension between play- ers while reporters were present. And it showed the respect Durant commands from his teammates and, more importantly, the honor he reserves for his family, especially his mother. Durant has given media members the same respect. Durant politely pauses his music and removes his headphones whenever approached by reporters as he sits at his locker before games. Might not sound like much. But in today’s NBA, many players have per- sonal policies to not address the media before tipoff. Ears covered with headphones have become the leaguewide signal for “bug off.” Durant, though, will speak, even if he fulfilled requests by the same report- ers at the team’s morning shootaround. He’ll slide off his headphones again if a straggler enters the locker room late. “It’s something that’s just second nature to me,” Durant said of his compassion. “I don’t plan it. It just happens.” Always has. “He hasn’t changed. That is the most impressive thing,” Brooks said. “In this league, players that have had success at the rate that he has, most of them have changed. Most of them forget what they’ve done to get there. Kevin has not changed one bit. And that’s a credit to him and his family.” •

PAGE 6 I OKC THUNDER I 2010-2011 SEASON REVIEW OKTHUNDERC OPUBCO COMMUNICATIONS GROUP The Dunk. hat Kevin Durant did to Brendan Hay- Wwood early in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals might require some capital letters. THE DUNK. The Thunder star poster- ized the Mavs big man with a rim-rocking, one-handed dunk. Less than 24 hours later, The Dunk had already been watched 162,000 times on YouTube. “I watched it a hundred times,” Thunder teammate said. He knows a little something about highlight-making dunks. Robinson won the NBA Dunk Contest three times, the only > PHOTOS BY BRYAN TERRY, THE OKLAHOMAN player to ever claim that many dunk titles. Late in the first quarter, Durant inbounded the ball to guard , who gave it right back to Durant. He took a couple dribbles toward the top of the key, and when he turned the corner, the lane to the basket was open. Durant had already gotten a step on Peja Stojakovic, so he went hard to the rim. He jumped and drew contact from the 7-foot Haywood, but he was able to throw down a one-hand slam. Thunder big man said, “It was nasty. It was up there. It was definitely a top-notch dunk. He did what he had to do, and I like what he did after the fact. It showed toughness. It showed heart.” What Durant did was bark at Haywood and draw a technical foul. Not that anyone seemed to care. “To me, they should’ve had a KD Alert like they did with a dunk like that,” Robinson said of the ESPN feature that cut into program- ming this past season to show especially nasty dunks from the Clippers rookie. “Everybody needed an alert.”

Story by Jenni Carlson, Staff Writer

PAGE 7 I OKC THUNDER I 2010-2011 SEASON REVIEW OKTHUNDERC C THE SHOTS: THE BEST MOMENTS OF THE SEASON

Celebration Oklahoma City’s Kevin Durant, left, and Russell Westbrook celebrate after a basket during a game between the Thunder and the Portland Trailblazers, Sunday, March 27, 2011. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman

PAGE 8 I OKC THUNDER I 2010-2011 SEASON REVIEW OKTHUNDERC Winner! coach Mike D’Antoni watches as Oklahoma City’s Kevin Durant hits the game- winning basket in front of during a game on Saturday, January 22, 2011 at the Oklahoma City Arena.

Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

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CHAPTER TWO The altar boy.

STORY BY JENNI CARLSON, THE OKLAHOMAN

eet Kendrick Perkins, altar boy. From the time he was a seventh grader in Beaumont, Texas, until he graduated high school, he was the head altar boy at Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church. Even as he was becoming a sought-after recruit who would jump right from the preps to the pros, Perkins was helping with services every week. “I happened to be the world’s tallest altar boy at the time,” he dead- panned, playfully raising an eyebrow. But, seriously ... “I couldn’t fit the robes that they had ... so I had to get one custom made.” Perkins is a gritty player, a rugged defender and a fierce rebounder. That much you already know, Thunder fans. What you may not realize about the recently acquired is that he’s more than a furrowed brow and a steely glare. After a week during which the Thunder made Perkins its center of the foreseeable future with a four-year contract extension, it’s time to get to know the man behind the scowl. M To understand who Perkins is, you have to know how he became the world’s tallest altar boy. And to know that, you have to go back to the beginning.

• • • • • • PHOTO BY SARAH PHIPPS, THE OKLAHOMAN SARAH BY PHOTO Kendrick Perkins was born Nov. 10, 1984, in Nederland, Texas, a small town just outside Beaumont. His father was a recently graduated basketball star at nearby Lamar University, his mother a local girl who had been a rhythm stepper in high school and had always made friends quickly. He never really got to know either of them. Perkins’ dad was gone first. Kenneth Perkins had a career that would eventually earn him a spot in Lamar’s athletic hall of honor, but he discovered his best pro opportunities were overseas. He had an infant son. He had a reason to stay. He left anyway. Then a few years later, Perkins’ mom was gone, too. Ercell Minix was working at a local beauty salon when she was shot in the neck by Sylvilla Humphrey. The women were neigh- bors and had been close friends, but they had argued off and on for a couple weeks before the shooting. Minix was kept on life support for six days before she died. Humphrey was sentenced to 30 years in prison for murder. Perkins was 5 years old and parentless.

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PAGE 10 I OKC THUNDER I 2010-2011 SEASON REVIEW OKTHUNDERC I grew up and my whole goal ... was not only to make it to the NBA but I just had it on my “mind to get my grandparents out of this situation. If you see the house I grew up in, I was like, ‘I’ve just got to make it better for my family.’ That was my whole motivation — to get them out.”

Kendrick Perkins On growing up with his grandpar- ents amd what making it to the NBA meant to his family.

PHOTO BY BRYAN TERRY, THE OKLAHOMAN

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His grandparents became his guardians, moving him into their house, raising him in their neighborhood and changing his life forever. • • • • • •

Raymond and Mary Lewis raised their children, then their grandson, in the historically black neighborhood of Pear Orchard on Beaumont’s south side. He worked for Gulf States Asphalt Co. mak- ing $400 a month. She cleaned houses, making about $60 a week. “Grew up in a very poor household,” Perkins said. “We ended up making it work.” Eggs came from the chickens that they kept in the backyard, and then some- times, the chickens became dinner. There were sacrifices, though. “It’s 105 degrees outside,” Perkins said. “You’ve got an air conditioning unit that’s in the window, but you can’t turn it on because the electricity bill at the end of the month is going to be expensive.” His grandpa used to give him money for lunch — one or two rolls of pennies. “To another child, that’s embarrassing,” Perkins said, “but that’s what you had so you had to make it work.” That became Perkins’ philosophy. There was a dirt court with a goal on the side of his grandparents’ house. It was spartan. It had a rim that would get sideways and a backboard that would go down. He made it work. He fashioned a homemade bench press out of two chairs, a bar and a couple beat- up weights. He made it work. Now a chiseled 6-foot-10, 275-pound hulk, Perkins sat inside the Thunder locker room the other night telling the tales of his youth. “The thing about it is,” he said, then paused for a long moment. Avenue, and you can see Ozen High “That didn’t work out.” The skin between his eyebrows crinkled. School, where Perkins would become Then, he played drums. “I grew up and my whole goal ... was not a star. Stand in front of the main gym “That didn’t work out.” only to make it to the NBA but I just had there, and you can see Our Mother of Then in seventh grade, he tried his hand it on my mind to get my grandparents Mercy. at altar service and found a fit. out of this situation. If you see the house That became Perkins’ world. Over the next six years as Perkins be- I grew up in, I was like, ‘I’ve just got to The church was the axis. came a superstar at Ozen and the basket- make it better for my family.’ “With my grandparents,” he said, “I had ball world was telling him how talented “That was my whole motivation — to to be very involved in the church.” and great and special he was, he would get them out.” Simply going to church wasn’t what go to Our Mother of Mercy and serve the they had in mind either. church. Light candles. Carry incense. • • • • • • “My grandfather was one of the head Hold books. Whatever the priest needed ushers at the church,” Perkins said, “so I during Mass, he would do. Stand in the front yard of the lemon- started out being an usher.” “I know one thing,” he said, “it teaches yellow clapboard house on Glenwood Then, he tried the choir. you to be grateful, it teaches you to be SEE REST OF STORY ON PAGE 13

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Oklahoma City’s Kendrick Perkins films video segments at the Thunder practice facility after being traded from in Oklahoma City. Perkins brought size, strength and toughness to the interior defense. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman

humble at all times, it teaches you to treat “When you really think about the say- game face,” Perkins’ high school coach everybody with respect.” ing, ‘It takes a village to raise a child,’ I and mentor Andre Boutte said. “That’s Perfect, Perkins admits, he is not. think everybody kind of pulled together his job face. When you’re out there doing He’s no Holy Roller or Bible thumper and leaned in a little bit and helped.” your job — and he has a blue-collar type either, but he knows what he believes. of job that he has to do — it’s not a posi- “I’m one person who strongly believes • • • • • • tion for smiling.” that the same people you see on your way Just because the big fellow looks differ- up are the same people you see on your Kendrick Perkins is like no other player ently and plays differently than the rest way down,” he said, “so at the end of the who’s ever worn a Thunder uniform. He’s of these guys doesn’t mean he’s hard- day ... being respectful is huge an enforcer. An intimidator who will send wired differently. Players who are solid to me.” a message with a hard foul. A tormentor and grounded, who are more likely to It’s why he built a house in Beaumont who isn’t afraid to get in an opponent’s make you proud than embarrassed, have for his grandparents. Why he gave a siz- face. become a hallmark of this franchise. able donation to Our Mother of Mercy. Yet all we’ve heard for the past week or Listen to people who’ve crossed paths Why he started a youth basketball camp so is how much he’s like the rest of these with Perkins over the years — teammates, back home and paid for everything out of guys. fans, reporters, coaches — and you won’t his pocket. Listen to people around the team and hear anything bad about him. No knuck- But maybe there’s no more touching you’ll hear talk about how Perkins fits the lehead moves. No jerky attitudes. No example of his heart than this: “I’ve got fabric of the franchise. unsavory episodes. a million homeboys, but my best man in Confused? Then again, what’d you expect from Mr. my wedding was my grandfather.” Don’t be. Scowl? Perkins paused and nodded. “His game face is just what it is — his This guy’s an altar boy. •

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C THE SHOTS: THE BEST MOMENTS OF THE SEASON

Hug it out Kevin Durant hugs Russell Westbrook late in the fourth quarter of the game 7 Western Confer- ence playoff win over the Memphis Grizzlies at the Oklahoma City Arena on Sunday, May 15, 2011. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman

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OPUBCO COMMUNICATIONS GROUP

Rumble-mania The popularity of Rumble increased during the 2010-2011 season, especially with events like this, when Rumble rapelled down the SandRidge Building during a promotion to raise money for the Special Olympics on Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2010. Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman

PAGE 16 I OKC THUNDER I 2010-2011 SEASON REVIEW OKTHUNDERC Ouch! Oklahoma City guard Russell Westbrook slams one home during the game between Oklahoma City and the at the Oklahoma City Arena, Wednesday, April 13, 2011.

Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman OPUBCO COMMUNICATIONS GROUP

CHAPTER THREE The making of Russell Westbrook.

STORY BY DARNELL MAYBERRY, THE OKLAHOMAN

ust beyond the walls of the green and beige building that sits on South Van Ness Ave. between 131st Street and 132nd Street in Los Angeles, two children, no older than 6, are fiercely battling one an- other in a game of one-on-one. A female coach looks on inside this dimly lit gymnasium, barking instructions and bellowing orders. Three more kids are standing at half-court, fidgety but focused while waiting their turn. They get their chance whenever a shot finally drops. As it falls through the net, the shot sends the defender on a series of sprints the length of the court. One kid hangs his head. The other walks away more relieved than pleased at his victory. The next two are quickly rotated in. It’s just another Saturday morning at Rowley Park. This is where Russell Westbrook’s basketball journey began. Before he transformed into a transcendent PHOTO BY NATE BILLINGS, THE OKLAHOMAN NATE BY PHOTO talent in his third season with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Westbrook had to will himself to want to get better. His development originated here, inside community cen- ter gyms in and around the Los Angeles area. J Today, the once polarizing has returned to his roots as a first-time NBA All-Star. Westbrook’s first All-Star Game experi- ence comes tonight inside Staples Center, the state of the art arena located 20 minutes south of the streets where Westbrook honed his skills. “Russell was always focused,” said Reggie Hamilton, the man who first coached Westbrook in organized ball. “He wasn’t distracted by anything. He had a vision at a young age of what he wanted to do and where he wanted to get. And that’s where he’s at now.” Westbrook has been sold on the sport since he was 7. That’s when Westbrook began shadowing his father, Russell Westbrook Sr., to Ross Snyder Park, then a rundown recreation center in a raggedy part of town. The gym in which Westbrook began his basketball education is no longer standing, having recently been replaced by a more modern facility. But it was there, at the intersection of 41st Street and Compton Ave., that Westbrook fell in love for the first time. Basketball became Westbrook’s backbone. The game, along with some precious parental guidance from Sr. and his wife Shannon, helped keep West- brook out of the streets. “I never was that type,” Westbrook said. “My family put that in me at a young age. Nothing

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Oklahoma City’s Rus- sell Westbrook goes past of Dal- las during game four of the Western Con- ference Finals at the Oklahoma City Arena in downtown Oklaho- ma City, Monday, May 23, 2011. Dallas won in overtime, 112-105.

Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

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Westbrook wasn’t heavily recruited until he shot up to 6-2 before his senior season. The growth spurt supplied the last bit of confidence Westbrook needed. The rest of Westbrook’s success is all a product of his roots. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

happens good in the streets.” rate aquatic center rest on the other. In there and cry if he was going through Westbrook would much rather be at the the distance of the pool facility is down- some problems.” gym. And his father was all in. Sr. grew town Los Angeles, where Westbrook’s Hamilton was one of only two men determined to teach his son the right way likeness now appears on billboards as Westbrook Sr. allowed to in his to play the game while almost fearfully part of his endorsement deal with Nike. son’s development. His eventual high guarding against allowing the wrong The gym is to the left of the pool and sits school coach, Reggie Morris, was the methods to creep in. on a hill. other. Westbrook Sr. never played organized Hamilton coached a traveling team “I didn’t want too many people inside basketball at a high level. His principles known as L.A. Elite out of the gym at his head,” Westbrook Sr. said. were born out of hard-nosed runs at Jesse Owens Park. It didn’t take long Instead, Sr. had a stringent and specific Ross Snyder Park. He also was a sports for Westbrook to request a roster spot. formula for his son’s success. The two junkie. Football, basketball and boxing Hamilton happily obliged Little Russell. spent hours in the gym together. Sr. made were his favorites. Sr. could explode off And he never regretted it. Jr. shoot until his arms hurt and his legs the ground, and his leaping ability got “He was very competitive from a real gave out. They would shoot 500 shots a passed down. Jr.’s height, however, comes young age,” Hamilton remembers. “He day, working from 20 feet out and slid- from his grandfather, who is 6-1 and has did not like to lose. And he definitely ing over by mere inches to instill proper a sister who is 6-2 and a brother who is always played hard. So that was a good, repetition of proper mechanics at various 6-5. Sr. stands just 5-8. positive thing right off the bat.” spots. Soon, old-fashioned calisthenics Westbrook Sr. also took mental notes Not everything was advanced. were added as a focal point. Push-ups while watching great “He couldn’t shoot a lick,” Hamilton and pull-ups. Sit ups and dips. Sr. was run his team. Those notes said. “If Russell made a shot back then, never a fan of weights. eventually got passed down to Jr., and that was just a bonus.” Westbrook was a willing worker. What- Magic quickly became Jr.’s favorite player. A display case of photos hanging on the ever he fought, his father patiently ex- Just before his 9th birthday, Westbrook wall just outside the office inside the gym plained how it would pay off. And by met Hamilton at Jesse Owens Park, a new at Jesse Owens Park still has a picture of then, Westbrook had his heart set on gym on the edge of the Los Angeles city a 10-year-old Westbrook as a member of landing a college scholarship. limits that Westbrook Sr. had began tak- his youth league Rebels. Hamilton recalls Westbrook’s family moved from Los ing his son to. Westbrook playing with the same emo- Angeles to a nearby city called Haw- Jesse Owens Park is sprawling. A play- tion then as he displays now. thorne when Westbrook was 12. The ground and playing fields sit on one side “He was way more emotional then,” workouts only intensified as Westbrook’s of the street. The gymnasium and sepa- Hamilton joked. “Russell would go out younger brother, Raynard, joined in.

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He was very competitive from a young age. He did not like to lose. And he definitely always “played hard.” Reggie Hamilton The man who first coached Westbrook in organized ball.

Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman

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But Westbrook Sr. can pinpoint the moment Jr. became totally committed. It was his freshman year of high school. The family was enjoying Thanksgiving Day when Westbrook surprised his father. “He said ‘Dad, I know it’s Thanksgiv- ing. But I want to shoot. Let’s go shoot.’ I looked at my wife. I looked at Ray. I said, ‘Let’s go shoot.’ And we put it in like it was a normal day,” Westbrook Sr. said. As a freshman at Leuzinger High School, Westbrook still stood just 5-8. But even then he stood out to his older teammates. “He just soaked up everything,” said Golden State forward Dorrell Wright, a senior when Westbrook was a fresh- man. “I still got video from my senior year when you see Russ at the end of the bench, big ol’ clothes on, little as I don’t know what, with some (size) 15s on. “He was one of them kids that you knew was always going to be good. He was always the smallest one but he was always the toughest one.” At Leuzinger, a relatively small school tucked away in a largely Hispanic neigh- borhood just past the corner of Rosecrans and Hawthorne Blvd., Westbrook had to work even harder. He entered high school on a senior-laden team and wasn’t given anything. So when he wasn’t in his high school gym, Westbrook and his father were at Rowley Park, a five-minute drive away on South Van Ness. Westbrook and his dad would make the trip together, making the short trek through the plazas, fast-food joints, check cashing compa- nies and body shops that line the streets. The green and beige building became home to even workouts. “I just knew that I had to get better each and every year,” Westbrook said. “That’s what I tried to do.” Westbrook wasn’t heavily recruited until he shot up to 6-2 before his senior season. The growth spurt supplied the last bit of confidence Westbrook needed. The rest of Westbrook’s success is all a product of his roots. “Nobody knew he’d be this good,” Wright said. “I’m happy for him. Some- body coming out of where we come from, not too many people make it out of there. Russ deserves it.” •

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Get loud The Thunder fans at Oklahoma City have been an important part of the success of the NBA in OKC. Photo by John Clanton, The Oklahoman Ready to ‘Rumble’ Rumble gets the Oklahoma City Arena crowd ready before a preseason game against Memphis. Photo by Chris Langsberger, The Oklahoman OPUBCO COMMUNICATIONS GROUP

CHAPTER FOUR Fear the beard.

STORY BY DARNELL MAYBERRY, THE OKLAHOMAN

ho was this bearded man? He wore No. 13 and, at times, he looked like the best player in the gym Wednesday night. When the ball was in his hands, the defense had no idea how to stop him. In the pick- and-roll, he carved up the competition and created plays for himself and others with the greatest of ease. He drove to the basket, and finished at the rim, and stopped and popped, and served up one sweet pass after another to his teammates. He did all of this over and over and over again. “He really took his game to another level,” marveled Kevin Durant. This is how we will remember James Harden closing the 2010-11 season. The second-year Thunder guard saved his best for last in Oklahoma City’s 100-96 loss to Dallas in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals. Now, the memory of his per- formance will leave Thunder fans salivating until October, or whenever it is that Wthe next NBA season might begin. Harden didn’t just raise the bar for himself. He punted it to a different planet. In 34 minutes off the bench, Harden scored 23 points on 7-of-11 shooting while dishing out six assists, pulling down five rebounds and turning it over only twice. Harden marched to the free-throw line a game-high 10 times, making eight. “He was confident,” Durant said. “He knew what he had to do for us to win. He had to come off the bench and give us a spark and that’s what he did.” Never before have we seen Harden do what he did in Game 5 of the West- ern Conference Finals. When the Thunder’s offense needed a spark, as it did throughout the postseason, Harden essentially became a point forward. When the Mavs made a second-half push, turning a three-point halftime deficit into a three-point advantage sev- en minutes into the third quarter, the Thunder responded by playing . And Harden was so good he gave the Thunder no choice but to put the ball in his hands to initiate the offense despite point guards Russell West- brook and Eric Maynor both being deployed in the lineup. Harden then hit Durant on a drive and dish for a 3-ball that tied it. He then secured a and went coast-to-coast and earned a trip to the stripe. Fifty seconds later, he penetrated toward the paint before pulling up and THE OKLAHOMAN CHRIS LANDSBERGER, BY PHOTO feeding Westbrook on a beautiful look-away pass for a layup. The Thunder regained a six-point lead. And the pressure Harden applied from that point-forward position completely puzzled the Mavs. Unlike SEE REST OF STORY ON PAGE 30

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He really took his game to another level.” KEVIN DURANT On the performance of James Harden in “Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals.

Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

PAGE 28 I OKC THUNDER I 2010-2011 SEASON REVIEW OKTHUNDERC All for three James Harden took his play to another level during the playoffs this year, especially in Game 5 against Dallas.

Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman OPUBCO COMMUNICATIONS GROUP

Next season James Harden will be called upon to fill the role of a legitimate third scoring option for the Thunder, giving them more balance on the floor at all times. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman

Game 4, when Dallas sent the house son, Harden will be called upon to fill Boston for Kendrick Perkins. Almost at Durant and Westbrook the mo- that void and provide more balance. immediately, Harden transformed ment Harden fouled out with just Here comes those heightened ex- into one of the league’s best sixth less than five minutes left to play, the pectations. men, averaging 15.8 points on 46.5 Mavs couldn’t contain the Thunder “That’s what we’re going to need for percent shooting after the All-Star when it had its third best scorer and him,” Durant said. “He’s going to be break compared to just 10.3 points on perhaps its best playmaker sharing an important piece. People are going 41.3 percent before it. the court with its two All-Stars. to expect him — that’s a big word, ex- “James knows that he had to get “In college, that’s all I was was a pect him — to do big things next year. better as a player as the season went playmaker,” Harden said. “I really He knows that. I’m sure he’s going to along and he did,” said Thunder didn’t have a lot of open 3s. I trans- take that challenge on head on and coach Scott Brooks. “I thought the formed my game early my first year try to come back a better player.” trade really helped him feel more here. But this year, they just had Harden, who averaged 14.4 points confident that he knows that we more confidence in putting the ball on 53.5 percent shooting along with needed to count on him night in and in my hands to make plays. So that’s six rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.2 steals night out, and he was very consistent something I tried to do.” in the conference final, sounds more in the second half of the season.” Seeing the Thunder’s offense shift than comfortable and confident in Whenever the Thunder is allowed to into high gear with Harden at the assuming added responsibility. When reconvene for the 2011-12 season, the wheel will naturally leave fans long- asked how much better he can be, bearded man promised to return the ing for more — especially since the Harden responded “A lot better.” same as we last saw him. offense has a tendency to bog down By all accounts, we’re only seeing “Most likely I will,” Harden said when Westbrook and Durant are on the beginning. Harden couldn’t take when asked if he’ll keep his bushy the court together without a legiti- on more offensively until the dead- beard. “I don’t think it’s going any- mate third scoring option. Next sea- line-day deal that sent to where anytime soon.” •

PAGE 30 I OKC THUNDER I 2010-2011 SEASON REVIEW OKTHUNDERC OPUBCO COMMUNICATIONS GROUP Progress in Overdrive

BY BERRY TRAMEL, THE OKLAHOMAN

n the last two springs, the Thunder has played four playoff series. And won two. That’s more playoff experience than Portland’s had since 2003 (three series). That’s as many play- off successes as ’s had in his six years in Denver. More than the Hornets have had since moving to New Orleans (nine years ago). More than the always-scrappy Rockets have had since 1997.I Losing to the Mavericks in the Western Conference Finals was a bummer for the Thunder, especially considering the blown leads late in the final two games this week. But what a valuable ride for the Thunder. “We hadn’t been through many experiences in the playoffs,” James Harden said. “Now that we’ve been through some tribulations, we have some things we can bounce back on.” No kidding. The Laker glamour show from a year ago. Now the gaunt- let of Denver, Memphis and Dallas. The Nuggets offered a frenetic pace and random offense. The Griz- zlies staged a bloodbath. The Mavs offered technical expertise of a salty coach in , a wise quarterback in Jason Kidd and a player for the ages in . Such a road will make the Thunder better. Such a road will make the Thunder much better. “The experiences we had were invaluable for us,” said. The Thunder is billed as baby Boomers who will naturally improve. A bunch of 21- and 22-year-olds whose progression is automatic. But Presti points out that “our improvement is not a matter of time. It’s experiences over time. It hasn’t come from flipping days off the calendar. Each series we played was a chance to learn and apply and prepare and compete.” Check out what the Thunder experienced just this postseason. A Game 7 (Memphis). Winning a series with an amazing comeback, coming back from nine points down with 3Ω minutes left in Nuggets Game 5. Playing a must-win game after the historic collapse (losing Game 4 to Dallas despite a 15-point lead with five minutes left). A three-overtime victory in a game that could have put OKC in a 3-1 series hole. Kevin Durant getting bullied by ruffians from Memphis and Dallas. Russell Westbrook enduring coast-to-coast criticism and a fourth-quar- ter benching. What did Durant learn? “Know every possession, every point, every re- bound, is important,” he said. “I learned a lot. Russell learned a lot. James learned a lot.” Barring LeBron James collusion or natural order of Laker and Celtic selection, this is the way you win in the NBA. Paying dues. Taking playoff lumps, surviving some, others not, collecting dirt under fingernails and calluses on hands. made the playoffs his first six years in the league and had one series victory. won one playoff series his first four years in the NBA, then reached the East finals in Year 5, the NBA Finals in Year 6 and the throne in Year 7. won two play- off series his first five years and finally won the NBA title in his 10th season. The Thunder progress is in overdrive. The Thunder is paying on the principle. These playoffs will pay off in Oklahoma City for years to come.

PAGE 31 I OKC THUNDER I 2010-2011 SEASON REVIEW OKTHUNDERC Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman OPUBCO COMMUNICATIONS GROUP

CHAPTER FIVE The community.

STORY BY JENNI CARLSON, THE OKLAHOMAN

Nick Collison of the Oklahoma City Thunder talks to Zack Hardiman at Special Care, where the two have become friends.

ack Hardiman is a youngster of few words. Because of a developmental disability, his speech is slower and his sentenc- es are shorter. But the 12-year-old doesn’t need many words to describe his relationship with . “Nick’s my best man,” Zack said. The Thunder power forward and the Edmond seventh grader are buddies. The unlikely friendship started last fall when Collison did a community outreach event at Special Care, a special-needs school on the north side of Oklahoma City. That’s where he met Zack. A heartstring was tugged. A con- nection was made. To understand just how deep an impact a professional sports team can have on its community, you need only know about the boy who needed a break. During a season in which the Thunder won the Northwest Division and went to the Western Confer- enceZ Finals, the team’s fingerprints were everywhere in Oklahoma City. You could see them in the ban- ners hanging from downtown skyscrapers or the flags waving outside car windows or the royal blue T-shirts popping up everywhere or the eyes drooping from yet another late-night playoff game.

SEE REST OF STORY ON PAGE 34

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Everyone was Thunderstruck. But for thousands of Oklahomans like Zack Hardiman, the Thunder’s reach goes beyond the court. It extends to the students who took home one of the 15,647 books from the Thunder Rolling Book Bus. To the kids who received one of the 2,500 toys collected over the past two years during the team’s toy drives. To the more than 18,000 children and adults who annually use the renovated Police Ath- letic League outdoor basketball court, a project done by the Thunder Community Foundation. A large photo of the court’s dedication hangs on the wall in Oklahoma City Police Chief Bill Citty’s office. “I love that picture,” he said. What he loves most isn’t that he is standing with Thunder guard Eric Maynor. It’s that they are sur- rounded by kids who are smiling ear to ear. “All of these are inner city kids that if it wasn’t for some of these programs would not have the opportunity to play sports or have a place to go,” Citty said. “You have these stars who have such a big influence on the youth within the community, plus you have the financial resources. It’s the whole Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook laces up a new pair of shoes for Carrington package.” Butler, a pre-kindergarten student at Thelma R. Parks Elementary School in Oklahoma City, De- cember 14 , 2010. Photo by Steve Gooch, The Oklahoman SEE REST OF STORY ON PAGE 35

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Citty is an Oklahoma City lifer. Born and raised here and a three-decade veteran of the police de- partment, he has seen the best and the worst of his hometown. He considers the Thunder among the former. The team refurbished that basketball court, teamed with the police department for other chari- ties, even honored two officers who were injured this past year, Chad Peery and Katie Lawson. “The heart that they have,” Citty said, “it’s just so good for the community.” Proposal accepted

Pam Newby echoes those sentiments. The executive director of Special Care was thrilled last fall when she learned her school would be getting a visit from a pair of players. The Thunder had invited high school basketball teams to submit proposals about community service that they were doing in hopes that it could partner with them. The boys’ basketball team at Westmoore had vol- unteered at Special Care on several occasions, so it sent in an application to the Thunder. The team chose Westmoore’s proposal and sent Collison and Morris Peterson to Special Care in Wayne Robert Christman Jr. , 7, waits for Oklahoma City Thunder NBA basketball team assistant coach Mark Bryant, left, and players , Nick Collison, and to serve Thanksgiving din- SEE REST OF STORY ON PAGE 36 ner at the City Rescue Mission in Oklahoma City. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman

PAGE 35 I OKC THUNDER I 2010-2011 SEASON REVIEW OKTHUNDERC OPUBCO COMMUNICATIONS GROUP

October. “Zack was just beside him- Special Care,” Collison said at more than Zack Hardiman. “And they were adamant that self,” Newby said. “He was so the time. “The amount of care His developmental difficul- they actually wanted them in darn excited.” and attention they are able to ties were only compounded the classroom working like the Pictures were taken. Memo- provide has an enormous im- when his parents died. First, boys did,” Newby said. “That ries were made. pact on the kids who are part of his dad had a heart attack, then was really important to them, The day was perfect. the program.” within three months, his mom that they weren’t coming out “That was really all we The Thunder also auctioned was killed in a car accident. for just a photo op.” thought was going to happen,” memorabilia to benefit Special Zack now lives with his adult Collison and Peterson spent Newby said. Care during the Heat game in sister’s family. time in every classroom, from What no one at Special Care January. It raised $14,000 in Without fanfare, Collison the infants to the pre-Ks to the knew was that a heartstring fan donations, then matched has reached out to Zack. Not school-age kids. had been plucked that day. that total. only did he take his little buddy They played. They colored. Thunder-related donations Christmas shopping — “I got They danced. Something of nearly $70,000 have been an Xbox,” Zack said — but he But when they went into one special significant for Special Care. also bought him tickets to a of the school-age classrooms, “There isn’t a portion of our Thunder game for his birthday, there was a special treat wait- A few months after Collison program that wasn’t touched,” then took him into the locker ing for Collison. visited, the Thunder called the Newby said. “We have a lot room after the game. A birthday cake. school about Zack; Collison of families that have lost jobs Those will forever be memo- “You guys know it’s my birth- wanted to take him shopping through this time, so the do- ries for Zack. day?” he said. for Christmas. nation allows us to give some But the thing that might Zack Hardiman got to present He also wanted to do some- scholarships to our kids.” change his life is this: Collison the cake because frankly, there thing for Special Care. In Janu- Classroom supplies were re- is paying his tuition this year at is no bigger fan of Nick Col- ary, Collison made a $40,000 plenished. Music therapy was Special Care. lison. He talked breathlessly personal donation to the added. Autism lab was supple- “Incredible generosity,” about his favorite player com- school. mented. Newby said. ing to the school for days be- “I am thrilled to be able to Everyone at Special Care feels Best man, indeed. • fore and weeks after the visit. help out an organization like the impact, but no one feels it

PAGE 36 I OKC THUNDER I 2010-2011 SEASON REVIEW OKCTHUNDER Miss it, LeBron! Fans try to distract LeBron James of Miami as he shoots a during the game between Oklahoma City and Miami at the Oklahoma City Arena on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2011. Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman OPUBCO COMMUNICATIONS GROUP

Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman

Photo by John Clanton, The Oklahoman the

fansThe relationship between the Thunder and it’s fans is what has made this season such a great one

Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman

Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman

PAGE 38 I OKC THUNDER I 2010-2011 SEASON REVIEW OKTHUNDERC OPUBCO COMMUNICATIONS GROUP

Photos by John Clanton, Byran Terry and Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman

PAGE 39 I OKC THUNDER I 2010-2011 SEASON REVIEW OKTHUNDERC OPUBCO COMMUNICATIONS GROUP

CHAPTER SIX The general manager.

STORY BY DARNELL MAYBERR, THE OKLAHOMAN PHOTO BY JIM BECKEL, THE OKLAHOMAN BY PHOTO

he success Sam Presti has had in stockpiling talent has been nothing short of spectacular. But it just might be his second-greatest achievement as general manager of the Oklahoma City Thunder. While transforming the franchise from a push-over to a potential peren- nial contender over the last three seasons, Presti has purposely acquired high-character players. The focus hasn’t just been on bringing in talent, it’s been on bringing in the right talent — mature, civic-minded players with community pride who will represent the state with class both on and off the court. That vision was present from the start. Presti never wavered from it when the Thunder was a 23-win outfit. And he has no plans on shifting gears now that his club is a 50-win squad. “With this being just our third year of existence in Oklahoma City, our focus is deeper than building a team,” Presti said. “It is on building a franchise, one that is sustainable and capable of endurance through the cycles Tof professional sports and becomes ingrained in our community. SEE REST OF STORY ON PAGE 42

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With this being just our third year of existence in Oklahoma City, our focus is deeper than building a team. It is on building a franchise, one that is sustainable and capable of endurance through the cycles of professional sports and becomes “ingrained in our community.” SAM PRESTI The general manager of the Oklahoma City Thunder on building the franchise.

PAGE 41 I OKC THUNDER I 2010-2011 SEASON REVIEW OKTHUNDERC OPUBCO COMMUNICATIONS GROUP

“To help establish this, we work to add people who we feel fit our organizational values and those of the community that supports us. No one is perfect. We all have our own challenges. But we do try to look for people who are reliable and consistent, teammates with enough self-awareness to rec- ognize and overcome their own agendas and in turn are capable of embracing sacrifice and account- ability.” Presti knew early on that, with- out that approach, all of his wheeling and dealing for top tal- ent could fall on deaf ears in the Oklahoma City market. But that’s not to say what Presti has achieved in his assembly of the Thunder’s roster hasn’t been plenty impressive. With Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Serge Ibaka, Kendrick Perkins, James

SEE REST OF STORY ON PAGE 43

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Harden and a host of role players who fit the puzzle perfectly, the Thunder has evolved into a team many consider the best young nucleus in the league, one that will someday soon compete for numerous championships. No quick fixes

Presti’s ability to build a roster that can sustain suc- cess has been as critical to the Oklahoma City fran- chise as the talent itself. By wisely budgeting when he took the job four years ago — and avoiding rash deci- sions on quick fixes when things got tough — Presti has kept the Thunder’s payroll clear of exorbitant Version 2.9.6.3 contracts that handicap franchises.10836593_1, It’s a significant colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black 06.07.2011 17:27 ProPag structure in today’s economic climate that will allow Oklahoma City to compete with the NBA’s traditional powers for the foreseeable future despite playing in one of the league’s smallest markets. “Sam is as thorough as a general manager as I’ve ever been around,” said Thunder coach Scott Brooks. “He understands the dynamic of team very well. He understands chemistry and important pieces that make teams work. ... He does his homework as well as anybody. He’s methodical, he’s patient and he understands what we need. And he’s willing to search for those answers every day.” •

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Drafting Russell Sign-and-trade Trading for and sign- Trading for Signing of Nick Westbrook: : ing Kendrick Perkins: Eric Maynor: Collison and Kevin Durant was Presti was putting For two and a half One of the Thabo Sefolosha: the no-brainer No. his imprint on to- years, analysts said best examples Every championship 2 selection be- day’s roster when the Thunder needed of Presti’s team has reliable role hind Greg Oden in the franchise was in a big man. Feb. 24, penchant for players. The Thun- 2007. But when Seattle back in 2007. 2011, will go down as opportunistic der locked up two of Westbrook was Rather than losing the day OKC got one. maneuvers. theirs in midseason taken with the Lewis outright in free The Thunder acquired Early in the each of the last two fourth-overall agency, Presti orches- Perkins and guard 2009-10 years. And by all ac- selection in 2008, trated a sign-and- Nate Robinson from season, Presti counts, the contract his selection was trade with Orlando Boston in exchange capitalized on extensions for glue met with skepti- that landed the then for Jeff Green, Nenad a cost-cutting guys Collison and cism. Two and a Sonics a $9.5 million Krstic and a future Utah franchise Sefolosha, which half seasons later, trade exception and a first-round pick. Four and found a combined cost OKC Westbrook blos- future second-round days later, Presti reliable backup a relatively cheap somed into an All- pick. Through a series inked Perkins to a point guard. $24.8 million through Star and a top five of subsequent moves, four-year contract ex- the 2014-15 season, NBA point guard. those assets turned tension that ensured are the types of deals into Serge Ibaka, Cole the big man will be a that complete the Aldrich and Byron cornerstone for the puzzle for champion- Mullens. foreseeable future. ship caliber teams.

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Info AdNumber : 10836717_1 First Pub Date : 20110630 Size : 7.375 x 9.750 Colours : Cyan,Magenta,Yellow Proof Dest. : LayoutComment : The end Kevin Durant pauses on the court after Oklahoma City’s loss in game 5 of the Western Conference Fi- nals to the eventual NBA champion Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center in Dallas. Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman