OKC Thunder vs Houston Rockets: Game 4 preview

Armed with a win the OKC Thunder enter today’s home matinee seeking to even their first round series versus the Houston Rockets.

The running OKC Thunder narrative which closed out the season centered around a trilogy of topics. At the forefront was the historic triple-double record setting season of Russel Westbrook. Closely behind was the exhaustive debate over who deserved MVP.  Notably James Harden supporters opined win totals mattered and claimed there was equal talent on both squads. Last,  but certainly not least was the impending first round playoff series between the Rockets and Thunder. It was believed many of the questions surrounding the MVP debate would be answered in the series.

In truth, the questions over talent were definitely addressed when each time Westbrook left the court the Rockets would either build substantial leads or erase deficits.

Down 2-0, some Thunder fans feared the squad was simply too young without sufficient offensive weapons to counter the offensive juggernaut of the Rockets.

But, die hard OKC Thunder refused to wave white flags knowing the ‘Why Not’ motto has been adopted by the entire city and fan base. Good thing for fans the team appears to also have adopted that motto. It’s often said players feel more comfortable at home (especially the younger players) and the chart in the tweet below proves precisely that point.

Success Stories:

The OKC Thunder are excelling in several areas:

• Getting out to quick starts
• Forcing turnovers
• And  whether it’s perimeter defense or simply cold shooting the Rockets aren’t lighting it up from deep. To wit the Rockets are getting up the third most attempts of the post season, but rank 13th in efficiency.
• Ball Movement also plaguing Houston: while the Thunder have their own issues  spreading the ball around their 21 assists this post season ranks 8th. In contrast the Rockets rank 13th with 17 apg.

As I mentioned Friday, the OKC Thunder must need to take one play, one quarter and one game at a time. Should they emulate Friday’s result this becomes a 3-game mini series with the Rockets suddenly questioning just how easy this job will be.

Keys to winning game 4:

Utilize the KISS principle (keep it simple silly): Don’t try to get too complicated or reinvent the wheel.

Make the most of your strengths: at their best the OKC Thunder are a strong defensive squad particularly with transition defense.

Be the aggressor and maintain energy: following Westbrook’s lead the squad need to be the aggressors straight from the tip through 48 minutes.

Win all hustle stats: loose balls, deflections, steals, blocks. The team who makes the extra effort has the better odds.

Use of wise time-outs, and rotation choices: Donovan has to be very smart with his rotation choices and utilizing time outs specifically when Westbrook hits the bench.

Finding the perfect mix between Brodie and team ball: If anything, the win showcased the team performs best with a marriage of Westbrook dominance interspersed with team ball. When Russ gets his team involved early they are successful, but more important is to keep the team invested and trusting each other late.

Ball movement and player motion critical:  While Westbrook must trust his team to make shots, the win Friday should go a long way towards increasing the squads confidence.

Taj Ball? I called for someone to offer a secondary scoring option for Westbrook last game out and Taj Gibson rose to the challenge. It’s not imperative Gibson replicate his effort, but someone needs to assume that role to make the offense easier.

Related: Taj Ball – The Complete Gibson Guide

Predicted Line-ups

Oklahoma City Thunder Starters:

Point Guard:  Russell Westbrook
Shooting Guard:  Victor Oladipo
Small Forward:  Andre Roberson
Power Forward: Taj Gibson
Center:  Steven Adams

Oklahoma City Thunder Bench:

Point Guard: Semaj Christon, Norris Cole
Shooting Guard: Doug McDermott, Alex Abrines,
Small Forward: Jerami Grant, Kyle Singler, Josh Huestis
Power Forward: Domantas Sabonis, Nick Collison
Center: Enes Kanter

Houston Rockets Starters:

Point Guard: James Harden
Shooting Guard: Patrick Beverley
Small Forward: Trevor Ariza:
Power Forward:Ryan Anderson:
Center: Clint Capela

Houston Rockets Bench:

Point Guard: Eric Gordon,  Bobby Brown, Isaiah Taylor
Shooting Guard: Lou Williams,
Small Forward: *Sam Dekker. Troy Williams
Power Forward:  Kyle Wiltjer
Center: Nene Hilario, Montrezl Harrell, Chinanu Onuaku

Injury Notes:  Sam Dekker remains out with a wrist injury

Game Specifics:

Playoff History: Breaking down the meetings between the two teams, the OKC Thunder hold a decided advantage 25-15.

More from Thunderous Intentions

• Stealing one player from every Southwest Division team for the OKC Thunder
• Should the OKC Thunder chase after a disgruntled hometown hero?
• 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
• Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
• Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder

The Line: Following the  OKC Thunder Game 3 victory, odds makers have the hometown team listed as 1.0 point favorites. Home teams are generally afforded a 2 to 3 point edge so this edge feels more like a negative or pick em. The over-under is 224.0 points.

The Venue: Chesapeake Energy Arena, Oklahoma City Thunder

The Tip: 3:30 PM ET (2:30 PM CT)

TV: FS Oklahoma HD

National TV: ABC

Radio: WWLS 98.1FM OKC / 930AM (ESP)

Check back after the game for the TI Game 4 Roundup offering insight on highlights from the match.