Brooks calls for understrength Thunder to thrive

RussellWestbrook

Point guard Russell Westbrook became the latest to pick up an injury for Thunder when he fractured his right hand in Thursday's 93-90 defeat to Los Angeles Clippers.

Westbrook's hand collided with Kendrick Perkins and he was involved in a confrontation with a member of the crowd at the Staples Center as he left the court to cap off a disappointing outing for Thunder.

He joins Kevin Durant (foot), Reggie Jackson (ankle), Jeremy Lamb (back), Mitch McGary (foot), Anthony Morrow (knee) and Grant Jerrett (ankle) on the sidelines with Westbrook potentially out of action until mid-December.

With Oklahoma having lost their opening two games, coach Brooks has called on his side to show their fighting spirit.

"It's unfortunate the way it is right now, but that's the way it is," he explained.

"We have to figure out how we can improve and get better from all of our experiences.

"And this is going to be a tough one, but the good teams, good players bounce back through adversity."

Forward Nick Collison added: "It's just really pretty unbelievable. You're kind of just shocked almost.

"It's not funny at all, but you almost have to laugh about it just because it's so many guys."

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