"If there was ever a sign that what happened at the AT&T Center on Monday night was just a preseason game, it occurred with 3:19 to go in the first quarter. At one end, Oklahoma City's Russell Westbrook was whistled for one of those quick technical fouls that seem to be going around this exhibition season like the swine flu. Ambling to the other end to attempt the ensuing free throw: Tim Duncan. Yes, that Tim Duncan. After the Thunder eventually finished off a 111-102 victory — made possible when Oklahoma City's starters closed the game on a 13-2 run against the Spurs' reserves — Gregg Popovich could only shake his head. And laugh. "We better get serious here pretty soon," Popovich said. The regular season doesn't start until Oct. 27, when Indiana comes to town. Popovich is serious about that. On Monday, the Thunder were serious enough for both teams. With another preseason game scheduled tonight in the mile high altitude of Denver, Oklahoma City coach Scott Brooks used Monday's game as a chance to run his starters until they dropped, with an eye toward giving them a day off against the Nuggets. As such, NBA scoring champ Kevin Durant was still in the game at the horn, finishing off his 40th minute, helping the Thunder (3-2) win a game the Spurs had led 61-51 at halftime. Durant finished with 29 points and nine rebounds, while Jeff Green scored 27 in 38 minutes. "There are certain mental things that go into preseason games, especially for younger teams trying to set the tone," Spurs forward Richard Jefferson said. "That's why it's tough to gauge how people are playing in the preseason."" http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/durant_and_co_get_the_last_laugh_105233033.html
