By Michael Kinney
OKLAHOMA CITY – After only two games in an Oklahoma City uniform, Corey Brewer will be getting his first start with his new team when the Thunder host Phoenix.
According to coach Billy Donovan, his looking for improvements on the defensive side of the ball and wants to see Brewer run with the starters.
“I want to just see what that looks like with the starting group,” Donovan said. “It’s probably more on me wanting to see what Corey looks like with this group more than something Josh (Huestis) has not done. Josh has done a really good job for us. But I also think the experienced part, the defensive part, I want to see what that looks like.”
Oklahoma City is coming off back to back losses to Portland and Houston. In both games, Donovan was not happy with the overall team defense.
Donovan hopes the addition of Brewer into the lineup will help give a spark to the defensive effort.
“Josh has done a good job. He has done well. He has stepped up in the absence of Andre (Roberson) and done nice,” Donovan said. “I think with Corey being here for two games and a limited amount of time, we can see what that lineup looks like with Corey out there. We can always go back to Josh.”
Brewer signed with the Thunder last week after having his contract bought out by the Los Angles Lakers. In his two games with the Thunder, he has played a total of 34 minutes off the bench and scored 10 points (all against Houston).
On the season, Brewer is averaging 3.7 points and 1.7 rebounds. But it’s his defense that Donovan is hoping will make the biggest difference for a team that is on the brink of finding not making the postseason.
“I think it’s a matter of everybody stepping up and doing a little bit more,” Donovan said. ” It’s not necessarily one player. It’s got to be our team collectively as a group.”
MIchaelKinney is a Freelance Content Writer with Eyeamtruth.com