Thunder players labeled Sunday's practice as one of the most spirited of the season. The entire session was closed to the media, but players could be heard yelling from beyond the practice facility's closed door throughout the longer-than-normal, 2 1/2-hour practice.
"We were going at each other, trying to push each other," said center Robert Swift. "It was a little bit tougher, so we were trying to keep each other motivated." Thunder coach Scott Brooks put the team through scrimmages and again drilled on defensive principles.
"Practice was good today," Brooks said. "We got a lot accomplished on the defensive end. We continue to need spirited practices. That's how you get better."
WHITE UNDERGOES SECOND SURGERY
Rookie forward D.J. White underwent a second surgery on his jaw Sunday. Thunder officials said it was a standard procedure that has been scheduled since White underwent the first surgery in October to remove a benign growth in his jaw.
No new timetable has been announced for White's recovery, which was originally listed at four to six months. White, the 29th overall pick out of Indiana, has not played all season.
SMITH TO PLAY TUESDAY
Joe Smith returned to practice after missing the past three games with a right knee contusion. Smith said Sunday he will return to the lineup Tuesday against the New York Knicks.
Smith is averaging 7.1 points and 4.7 rebounds in 28 games this season.
BRIEFLY
Jeff Green didn't take part in the customary end-of-practice free-throw shooting with the team, instead remaining in the Thunder's locker room. Green's left elbow recently sustained swelling due to numerous hard falls. ... There is no update on the progress of Nenad Krstic's work visa, which Thunder officials say is keeping him out of the lineup. Krstic isn't expected to play Tuesday against the Knicks or Wednesday at Minnesota. ... Kyle Weaver returned to practice after being slowed by a sprained left ankle.
