Desmond Mason News

Thanks to some advice from his mother that stuck with him through the years, James Harden found himself standing beside two Oklahoma City Thunder teammates Saturday with his brand new jersey in hand.

Dixon, a 6-foot-10, 215-pound forward, averaged 15.3 points and eight rebounds at Hutchinson Community College last season and chose the Hilltoppers over Seton Hall and Missouri.

What he did: Played in only 18 games but served as a positive mentor to young players.

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Kevin Durant. The second-year small forward turned in a spectacular season, even if few noticed, to firmly cement himself as the franchise player.

Check, check it - Joe Smith - I mean - JOE BEAST, has released his debut rap album.

Even if Tyson Chandler didn't end up coming to Oklahoma City because the Thunder rescinded a midseason trade, the situation still sent a message that the relocated franchise might be willing to use some of that extra salary cap room if the right deal surfaced.

Oklahoma City led much of the first three quarters before Duncan scored three baskets early in the fourth period to give the Spurs an 87-78 lead.

There in her living room was Kevin Durant helping replace light bulbs while the Oklahoma City Thunder's two 7-foot centers installed the new blinds on her windows without needing a step-stool. Outside, Jeff Green carried in a new mattress from a truck while Desmond Mason painted the new frame around Cheatham's front door.

Sixty-one minutes prior to tip-off inside the Ford Center, , and Russell Westbrook will rise from their lockers, exit the Thunder 's dressing room and take a short walk down the arena's corridor.

Malik Rose sat expressionless at his locker, staring across the Thunder's dressing room while stillA in full uniform after many of his teammates had already showered, dressed and ducked out for the evening.

Kevin Durant scored 25 points, Thabo Sefolosha added 12 and the Oklahoma City Thunder spoiled Gregg Popovich's 1,000th game as San Antonio's coach by beating the Spurs 78-76 on Monday night.

Opponents have shot 43.8 percent from the field and averaged 89.3 points in regulation the past four games.

Thabo Sefolosha has sustained a sprained MCL and is listed as day-to-day. Sefolosha only shot free throws during today's practice and his status for Saturday's game at New Orleans is unclear.

11 during a preseason game at Golden State. Only now is he coming close to perfecting it.

Good teams seem to want Joe Smith . Smith The veteran forward and the Oklahoma City Thunder reached agreement on a buyout of his contract on Sunday, and The Clevaland Plain Dealer reported that the Cavaliers ...

At this point fans might wonder, "What are they thinking?" Presti's experience in player personnel and scouting is showing, so is his courage.

For the second consecutive year, Joe Smith might be joining Cleveland at mid-season to try and help the Cavaliers make a run at an NBA championship.

Until the clock struck 2 on Thursday afternoon, perhaps you were like me, hoping the Thunder would rescind what they had rescinded one day earlier.

Observations, news and notes from Tuesday's game.. * It always amazes me that everyone in the building knows Kobe Bryant will try to take over the game in the fourth quarter if it's close and yet nobody wearing ...

Thunder coach Scott Brooks said he would prefer to have Joe Smith remain on the roster for the final 25 games rather than see the front office come to terms on a buyout for the 14-year veteran forward.