Did Billy Donovan ever consider going to a different starting lineup against the smaller lineup of the Atlanta Hawks?
“No,” Donovan said followed by a long pause. “... I think that we have a pretty good rhythm right now.”
The starters finished in rhythm against the Hawks, winning 107-94 against one of the Eastern Conference's best teams, and doing what hasn't been done enough in this early season: Closing in the fourth quarter.
Last week in Atlanta, the Thunder couldn't quite come back from a 79-74 deficit entering the fourth quarter. On Thursday, they led by eight entering the final period and outscored the Hawks 24-19 in the fourth.