Thunder stays plugged in during lights-out practice

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. – As practice sites go, there’s nothing wrong with Sacramento State University, where the Thunder got its run on Monday.

But every site has its flaws.

Sacramento State, for example, went lights-out for a bit Monday afternoon.

Russell Westbrook barely broke stride. Even with low visibility, he kept Oklahoma City’s practice on track.

“I mean, he gets his work in, and I give him credit,” Thunder coach Billy Donovan said at Tuesday’s shootaround. “He’s always got energy and a motor and the rest of the guys were kinda hoping the lights maybe wouldn’t come back on, and he was right in there wanting to continue to practice.”

In truth, center Steven Adams said, Westbrook’s teammates were less hoping for and end of practice than wondering if darkness might force Donovan’s hand. Ultimately, the lights came on again.

But in those 10 unplugged minutes, the Thunder stayed plugged in.

“That was pretty funny,” Adams said. “It got quite dangerous, bro. You can’t see the ball, mate. So we have some players who thought it would be a good idea to pass the ball very hard. It wasn’t the best. But it was just a fun thing, mate. Got nothing out of it apart from fun.”

Fox’s favorite

Westbrook grew up admiring Allen Iverson and Kobe Bryant. Now, the 10-year veteran has reached a new stage of his career.

Young players now grew up admiring Westbrook, and Kings guard De’Aaron Fox is among the current crop of NBA rookies who call Westbrook their favorite player.

“I’d say it’s a blessing, honestly. No other words to describe it to be able to be in situation where other guys, other players say you’re they’re favorite player. So that’s just a blessing for me,” Westbrook said.

Fox, who entered Tuesday’s game averaging 12.7 points and five assists, even got some praise from Westbrook at the Thunder’s morning shootaround.

“He can play, for sure,” Westbrook said.

Sooner connection

Last season, a visit to Oklahoma City jumpstarted Buddy Hield’s rookie season with the New Orleans Pelicans.

The former Oklahoma star — traded to the Kings at the All-Star break last February — entered Tuesday looking for another boost.

In his 25 games with Sacramento last season, Hield said, “they just let me play,” and he averaged 15.1 points, shooting 42.8 percent on 3-pointers.

Now he’s being asked to fit the system, and he’s had some ups and downs. Through the Kings’ first seven games, Hield was averaging 11.3 points per game but shooting 26.3 percent from 3-point range.

“I’m trying to find my way,” Hield said. “It’ll come.”

While he focuses on finding a fit in Sacramento, he’s keeping an eye on Norman. Hield says he “talks to everybody” at OU on a regular basis, including star freshman Trae Young.

“I know there’s a lot of attention on him right now, but don’t get caught up in that,” Hield said when asked what advice he’s giving Young. “You have five or six bad games — that season is so short. Forget about it. Just stay humble and go in there with the right mindset to get better. Don’t go in with that NBA mindset already. Just handle your business and everything will come.”