Kevin Durant plans on returning to Oklahoma City for Nick Collison's jersey retirement ceremony on March 20th. The Warriors play the Pacers the following day.

"That group was so special, that whole group from 2010 until I left there, it was special. It's about time for us to let go of all that extra stuff, and just come together -- especially around this time, because it's Nick," said Durant.

The Thunder are aware of Durant's plans and will happily accommodate him. Several ex-Sonics and Thunder teammates are expected to be in attendance.

Durant's return has no bearing on his free agency choice this summer as both sides have moved on. 

After getting voted as an All-Star captain, Giannis Antetokounmpo said he wants to bring Joel Embiid and Russell Westbrook together on the same team.

"It's all about love. I'm a lover, not a fighter. I'm gonna pick Joel Embiid. If I can pick Joel Embiid and Russell Westbrook on the same team, I'll do it."

Embiid and Westbrook had a minor scuffle towards the end of the Thunder's 117-115 win over the Sixers last weekend. Westbrook said afterwards that he and Embiid were "not cool". 

The Oklahoma City will retire Nick Collison's #4 jersey in a ceremony on March 20th. He is the first player in Thunder franchise history to get his jersey retired.

Collison, who was drafted by the Seattle Supersonics, spent his entire 15-year career with the Thunder franchise. 

"I am thrilled that Nick Collison will be the first Thunder player to have their number retired in Oklahoma City. He has cemented himself as part of the fabric of this community and our organization by setting an example of commitment, hard work and authenticity," said Thunder chairman Clay Bennett. 

Gregg Popovich won his 1,222nd career game as a head coach and surpassed Jerry Sloan for third in all-time NBA coaching wins following the San Antonio Spurs' 154-147 double-OT win against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The game featured a career-high 56 points from LaMarcus Aldridge, which is the most points for a Spurs player since Tony Parker scored 44 points in 2008, and the most points without a 3-pointer since Shaquille O'Neal in 2000.

2006 was the last time that two teams combined for over 300 points in a game, not including the All-Star Game. The Spurs also shot 16-19 from deep, the highest 3-point percentage ever for a team with more than 15 attempts.

Derrick White and Jerami Grant each chipped in with career-highs in points, while Russell Westbrook set a career-high in assists with a triple-double with 24 points, 13 rebounds, and 24 assists.

Nerlens Noel has been diagnosed with a concussion following his fall in Tuesday's game.

Noel left the court on a stretcher and was knocked unconscious, but he was alert later in the night.

Noel avoided any fractures and will continue to be evaluated.

The Toronto Raptors have privately admitted that the success of the Oklahoma City Thunder in convincing Paul George to re-sign with the team last offseason emboldened them to pursue their trade for Kawhi Leonard.

Executives from the Thunder credit the bond George formed with Russell Westbrook as the most significant factor in his decision.

Kyle Lowry has been more reluctant to play the role of recruiter. 

“Kawhi is an unbelievable basketball player,” said Lowry. “He just does him. There are a lot of things he can do talent-wise where you’re just like wow.”

Lowry says he and Leonard have become friendly.

Ujiri maintains a regular dialogue with Leonard, as well as his agent, Mitch Frankel, and his uncle Dennis Robertson.

Russell Westbrook said he found personal motivation in the Oklahoma City Thunder's 111-109 win over the Portland Trail Blazers as it was the first time the Thunder won a road game in Portland since 2014. 

"I thought about that yesterday when I landed. Hell, yeah. So, it's a personal thing for me," said Westbrook. 

Westbrook finished the game with 31 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists. 

"We haven't won in here in a while. I know Nick [Collison] is at home. If he's watching, he'll probably be happy we finally won here. I didn't tell nobody. I just kept it to myself."