Monday Bolts – 12.20.10

Michael Schwartz of Valley of the Suns: “The Thunder ended the quarter on a 23-9 run, as the Suns didn’t make a shot in the final 3:23, while committing four turnovers during that stretch. Because of Phoenix’s sloppy play and Oklahoma City’s newfound rhythm, the Thunder took an 85-82 lead into the fourth quarter. But the Suns grabbed hold of the lead early in the fourth, fighting off Durant and the Thunder thanks to 10 fourth-quarter points from Hill, and crucial rebounding (the Suns won the battle of the boards 37-32) and defense down the stretch.”

An excellent observation from Darnell Mayberry: “Thunder guard Eric Maynor had a trip to the free throw line to with 3.3 seconds left and the Thunder trailing 112-109. His intent was to make the first and miss the second. He executed the strategy perfectly. But a brief oversight was costly. Thunder coach Scott Brooks failed to put in a big man, either Serge Ibaka or Nick Collison. It left Thabo Sefolosha and Jeff Green to battle for the board. Gentry, meanwhile, subbed in center Robin Lopez for point guard Goran Dragic and fellow big man Channing Frye for forward Grant Hill. And when Maynor missed the second attempt, it was the 6-foot-11 Frye who grabbed the game-clinching rebound.”

KD gave foster about 120 foster kids a big surprise over the weekend.

Bright Side of the Sun: “The Thunder shot 16 more free throws than the Suns. Some of the calls by the oficials were atrocious, and Kevin Durant was the beneficiary of many of the calls. Still the Suns didn’t piss and moan about it, they played hard and loose, like they had nothing to lose, with of course they should be playing right now. If one thing remained from last year’s team, it’s heart. There are nights our boys don’t look in it, but they are few. Tonight is why you love your Suns, why your tears are purple, and why you put up with front office shenanigans. The Suns usually bring in guys that want to play, that don’t need effort coached into them. And perhaps Nash is a huge part of the Suns attitude. You aren’t going to quit when Steve Nash runs your team.”

Marc Stein updates on the Melodrama.

NBA Playbook breaks down a nice lob to Russell Westbrook.

Art Garcia of NBA.com on OKC’s increased exposure: “Kevin Durant and Co. have it. Operating under a virtual exposure blackout for much of the time since relocating from Seattle more than two years ago, the national spotlight has now found OKC. The Thunder’s enhanced stature is evident by a date on one of the league’s marquee days.”

Russell Westbrook checks in with one of the top 15 stat lines of the season.