Thunder coach Scott Brooks explains his use of reserve players

BY DARNELL MAYBERRY NewsOK.com
Friday, December 14, 2012
12/14/12 at 6:15 AM

OKLAHOMA CITY - When second-year guard Reggie Jackson unexpectedly popped up from the Thunder's bench Wednesday night and pumped life into his listless teammates, igniting a furious rally in the final 14 minutes that overpowered New Orleans, his performance served as validation to Oklahoma City's coaching staff.

To coach Scott Brooks and his assistants, Jackson's 10 minutes, 58 seconds of inspired ball demonstrated once again how much development is taking place within the organization, particularly with the Thunder's youngest players.

"We work with them every day," Brooks told The Oklahoman on Thursday. "The hardest thing is for players - and I was that player myself - to stay mentally ready to do it every day when you don't get playing time rewards."

The Thunder has had only minimal minutes to offer first- and second-year players since becoming a league heavyweight. But Brooks' reluctance to award even those minutes to his younger players through the years, dating to D.J. White four seasons ago, continues to raise two popular questions: what does the Thunder have buried on its bench and why exactly aren't those players playing outside of garbage time?

Original Print Headline: Brooks explains use of Thunder reserves

Click here to read the complete article at NewsOK.com.

Associated Images:

Thunder guard Reggie Jackson drives under the basket past Hornets guard Xavier Henry during Wednesday's game. SUE OGROCKI/Associated Press