April 22 (Reuters) - The Oklahoma City Thunder fired coach Scott Brooks on Wednesday after the injury-hit team failed to reach the playoffs this season for the first time in six years.
Brooks, 49, had guided Oklahoma City to three appearances in the Western Conference Finals and a trip to the 2012 NBA Finals but they missed out on this postseason after finishing ninth in the highly competitive West with a 45-37 record.
"This is an extremely difficult decision on many levels," Oklahoma City general manager Sam Presti said in a statement.
"Scott helped establish the identity of the Thunder and has earned his rightful place in the history of our organization through his seven years as a valued leader and team member.