Houston Rockets Vs. Oklahoma City Thunder: 1st Round Game 5: Sneak Peek Analysis
The Houston Rockets demonstrated that despite the challenges/odds, they know how to persevere and win the game.
The Houston Rockets demonstrated that despite the challenges/odds, they know how to persevere and win the game.
But isn’t that the objective?
Absolutely — but considering what a lackluster season we had in 2015-16, this mantra speaks volumes as far how many light years we’re ahead of what was in the past.
Guys hustling, fighting hard and Nene breaking records at age 34, becoming the 1st player in NBA history with at least 20 points, 10 rebounds and 100 percent field goal shooting in a playoff game.
For the record, Nene was 12-for-12.
He finished with 28 points and nine rebounds, outscoring the OKC bench 28-22 and out-rebounding them 10-9.
That’s incredible and who knows, he might get extended time or a start for today as the Rockets have been a victim of mired starts as of late.
We’ll have to see what happens tonight.
So who’s leading the charge for the Thunder?
Not surprisingly, Russell Westbrook leads the team in scoring (35.0 PPG), rebounds (11.8 RPG), assists (11.2 APG), steals (3.0 SPG). Andre Roberson leads in blocks (3.5 BPG).
Let’s talk about what the Thunder do well.
They still crash the boards offensively well. The Thunder are 6th in offensive rebound rate (23.9).
They’re taking care of basketball quite well. The Thunder are 2nd in turnover ratio, with a meager 11.3 percent of their possessions ending with a turnover.
They’re using a lot of possessions. The Thunder are 6th in PACE, averaging 101.3 possessions per game, tied with the Rockets.
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Injuries:
Sam Dekker injured his left hand after getting tangled up with Chris Dudley and Patrick Beverley for a loose ball in the 2nd half of an April 2 regular season match up with the Suns. It was categorized as a broken hand and he was estimated to be out for the next three to four weeks. He did have successful surgery to repair the damage the following Monday. It has been three weeks since so his return should be sooner than later. Although he’s on the playoff roster, his usage remains to be seen when he does come back.
There are no injuries to report for the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Source(s): Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle, Calvin Watkins of ESPN.com, CBS Sports
Matchups to Watch:
- Patrick Beverley vs. Russell Westbrook
- James Harden vs. Victor Oladipo
- Trevor Ariza vs. Andre Roberson
- Clint Capela vs. Steven Adams
- Ryan Anderson vs. Domantas Sabonis
Prediction:
119-111 in a Houston Rockets’ win!
The Rockets are back at home to take on the Thunder at Toyota Center.
Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. CDT.
The game will be televised on TNT/ROOT Sports Southwest and broadcast on NewsRadio 740 AM (KTRH), Sirius 207, XM/SiriusXM 86 (Internet 890) and La Ranchera 101.7 FM (KNTE) & 850 AM (KEYH) in Spanish.
Go Rockets.