by MIKE BALDWIN , The Oklahoman

"He's like Dirk (Nowitzki) but different," Nash said. "(Durant) is more of a perimeter player. He's quicker than Dirk. He shoots off the dribble quicker than Dirk does. But he presents the same problem where guys can't contest his shot."

FINALLY, A WIN

After watching the first four quarters on the bench, Michael Harris scored three overtime points and grabbed four rebounds to lead the Thunder to its first preseason win. The five players on the floor in overtime were Harris, Kyle Weaver, Kevin Ollie, D.J. White and rookie James Harden.

In all three preseason games, the Thunder has built fourth quarter leads only to watch down-the-roster reserves fail to close out a win. This time, Oklahoma City squandered a 20-point lead. The Suns outscored the Thunder 22-2 the last 8 1/2 minutes to force overtime.

REBOUNDING IMPROVEMENT

For the first time in three preseason games, the Thunder out-rebounded an opponent. The Suns grabbed 12 offensive rebounds, but OKC won the overall battle 50-43.

KRSTIC, COLLISON OUT

Nenad Krstic (upper respiratory ailment) and Nick Collison did not suit out. Krstic stayed home. Collison has been out two weeks with a severely sprained ankle he suffered days before camp started.

"This summer, Nenad played in meaningful games for his country," Brooks said. "He came back in great shape. Unfortunately, he got sick a couple of days ago. He's right where we need him to be. His conditioning is very good."

NEW LOCKER ROOM

Thunder players got to see their new locker room for the first time Monday morning. One of the most spacious locker rooms in the league, the highlight is a giant marble logo in the middle of the locker room floor.

"This is better than any (home) locker room I've had," said veteran Kevin Ollie, who has played for 12 different organizations. "I haven't been in them all but this one is really nice with all the space and amenities."

"It's great," said Oklahoma City's Jeff Green. "We thank the fans (for passing the tax increase) for making this possible. Hopefully, we can enjoy it to the best of our abilities and win some games."

PRESEASON HISTORY

Preseason records carry little impact. The Sonics/ Thunder has posted only one winning preseason record this decade - 6-2 in 2003 - and failed to make the playoffs that season.

FAST BREAK...

Thunder coach Scott Brooks said he plans to play his core players - Durant, Green and Russell Westbrook - at least 30 minutes Wednesday night in Tulsa. ... Rookie forward Serge Ibaka exited the crowd with a block and six rebounds but fouled out in 25 minutes. ... Former Oklahoma and Oklahoma Christian School star Taylor Griffin was in the Suns starting lineup. He received a loud ovation during pre-game introductions... Miss America, Katie Stam, sang the national anthem.

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