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Russell Westbrook is just getting back after a knee injury. Serge Ibaka is in a horrible shooting funk to start the season and James Harden and Kevin Martin have left for bigger roles and bigger paychecks.

Kevin Durant has always shouldered a big load in Oklahoma City. But it's even bigger this season.

The three-time scoring champion is trying to strike a delicate balance early in the season. He says he wants to give the young supporting cast as much room as possible to grow into the roles vacated by Harden and Martin.

But he also wants to win. Durant says he's learning when to take the game over and when to try to get his teammates involved.

The Thunder are 2-1 heading into Wednesday night's game against Dallas.