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Through 53 games without Harden, the Thunder are 39-14. They were 40-13 at the same point last season.
Last year’s Thunder averaged 103.1 points per game and shot 47.1 percent from the field and 35.8 percent from 3-point range. This year’s squad is scoring 106 points on 48.2 percent shooting (38.9 from 3).
So, their points and percentages are up, and they’re only one game off last season’s more bearded pace.
“We’re different, but I think we’re just as good,” small forward Kevin Durant said. “James, don’t get me wrong, he’s a phenomenal player, but we lost him and we got Kevin Martin back, who’s a really good player as well.
“And I think for the passing ability that we lost with James, and his defense, we make up for it with Russell and myself, and the guys on the bench that help.”
Martin is doing his part as the Thunder’s new sixth man.
— Reported by Jason McDaniel of the Houston Chronicle (Blog)
