Is it possible Thunder players are pressing at home to reward fans?
After battling perennial powers Dallas and San Antonio to the end in road games last weekend, the Thunder returned home and turned in a mediocre performance in a 98-88 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday night at the Ford Center. Oklahoma City has lost eight consecutive games overall and 11 straight home games. It's been 45 days since they defeated Minnesota on Nov. 2 at the Ford Center.
"We have a great building here," said coach Scott Brooks. "It's rather disappointing that we haven't taken advantage of this crowd."
The Clippers built an early 14-point lead, but Oklahoma City clawed to within 50-48 at halftime. But OKC would lead only twice in the second half - 55-53 and 59-58. The Clippers went on a 10-0 run midway through the fourth quarter and led by double digits most of the final six minutes.
Oklahoma City has identical 1-12 home and road records. But some of the Thunder's better performances recently have been away from the Ford Center.
"When you're on the road, an underdog, you play a kind of free, kind of loose and get up and down the court," said Desmond Mason. "At home you put pressure on yourself to get a win for the people in this building because they've given us tremendous support."
OKC's next chance to end both losing streaks is Friday night against Toronto.
