Thunder notch landmark win

Let the record show that the Oklahoma City Thunder claimed its first win with defense.
They dug in and held Minnesota to 12 fourth-quarter points, playing with an urgency that serves as a blueprint for their mission statement from here on out. P.J. Carlesimo was brought in to get his young players to buy in to winning thanks to sacrifice -- the San Antonio way.
The former Spurs assistant had some rocky nights with the Sonics last season, including surrendering 168 points at Denver as recently as March 16, but he looks to have found a young group that is willing to commit defensively above all else.
Rookie Russell Westbrook is definitely the catalyst, selected fourth by GM Sam Presti in part because of his potential as a stopper, but he's not alone in taking credit for an early-season turnaround that has the Thunder surrendering just 90 points per game through their first three. Kevin Durant is making better use of his frame. Jeff Green looks more polished. Desmond Mason has fit in well.
Most important, the Thunder are leaving everything that goes wrong on the offensive end right where it belongs, immediately concentrating on defense. That type of focus from such a young crew has to have management enthused.
Durant, Westbrook, Green, Mason and Earl Watson combined to shoot 38 percent (24-for-63), but never carried their struggles over to the defensive end. That allowed them to survive and get an 88-85 win, but more than that, set an example for what it's going to take to grow into a winner.
Sunday's +/- report: Andrew Bogut (+20, 13 points, 11 rebounds) was the most effective player on a light night, keeping the Knicks from getting control of the pace by consistently establishing himself inside on both ends... Bucks rookie Joe Alexander (-10, 0-for-2) didn't have the most convincing NBA debut... New York's starting backcourt, Chris Duhon (-19, 2-for-6) and Jamal Crawford (-14, 0-for-6), gave them no chance... Tough night at the office for Minnesota rookie Kevin Love (-9), who had just four points and four rebounds in 17 minutes... Joe Smith and Chris Wilcox (+12 each) deserve props for their role in Oklahoma City's breakthrough, playing tough down low and grabbing four of the Thunder's 19 offensive boards.