Nerlens Noel enjoying his first playoff series

NoelThe Thunder’s second unit was one of the lone bright spots for the team in Portland. Nerlens Noel was a big part of that minor success.

In just 13.5 minutes a game in Portland, the 6-foot-11, 220-pound Noel averaged eight points and 6.5 rebounds per game. In his sixth professional season, Noel is playing in the playoffs for the first time.

He spoke with The Oklahoman ahead of Game 2:

Question: The second unit has graded out well in terms of plus/minus this series. What do you think about the way you’ve been able to close the first quarter and start the second and fourth quarters?

Noel: "I think we’ve been playing really well. I think we’ve locked into the concept of moving the ball, playing…