Thunder Struggling To Deliver Clacking Sounds In Oklahoma City

November 20, 2008 11:00 a.m. EST

Oklahoma City, OK (AHN) - The name may have changed in a 'thundering' manner but the losing trend remains the same.

The newest franchise on the NBA's roster of teams, the Oklahoma City Thunder, lacks the needed punch from a lineup that is mostly rookie-laden and without veteran leadership.

Off to an awful 1-10 start heading to Wednesday's home game against the Los Angeles Clippers, the Thunder are struggling offensively and defensively.

Oklahoma City is ranked third-to-last in points-per-game with 89.8 points in 11 games. Defensively, P.J. Carlesimo's wards are surrendering 100.3 points to opponents every time out.

Other figures, though, do not reflect the Thunder's struggles-they're not in the bottom in rebounding, assists and turnovers.

Actually, the Oklahoma City frontline is doing a stellar job on the glass-their 46.6 boards are ranked within the league's Top 10.

But the lone culprit to blame is their field-goal of 40.7 percent, worst in the league. Among starters, Kevin Durant leads the team with a 44.6 percent clip from the floor.

The former Rookie of the Year winner also is the Thunder's main scoring threat with his 21.9 points every time out.

Still, he commands more offensive help from everyone else. Starting small forward and fellow sophomore Jeff Green is next with 15.3 points per game and backup playmaker Russell Westbrook at 12.0 points a night.

Earl Watson, Desmond Mason and Nick Collison are also groping for form on offense and Chris Wilcox, another offensive threat in the shaded lane, is out with an injury.

In Oklahoma City's 10 losses, the closest was a four-point setback to Atlanta on November 9. Seven of the defeats were more than 10 points. Its lone win: a three-point victory against fellow youngsters Minnesota Timberwolves.

For a team transitioning from a 20-62 debacle last season in Seattle, the uphill, arduous climb to redemption begins. By this season's standards, that journey is slowly trudging forward.

Still, Durant and company are doing all they can to pay tribute to a city which is for the first time hosting an NBA squad.

For sure, the thunder in Oklahoma City has just begun.