Five takeaways from the Thunder’s blowout loss in Houston

Mar 26, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) dribbles the ball as Oklahoma City Thunder forward Domantas Sabonis (3) defends during the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 26, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) dribbles the ball as Oklahoma City Thunder forward Domantas Sabonis (3) defends during the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 26, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) shake hands after a game at Toyota Center. Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 26, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) shake hands after a game at Toyota Center. Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Remember, this was a regular season game

As always OKC Thunder Twitter was lively with overreactions from this game. Oklahoma City was flat yesterday, which isn’t a good look coming off three days rest. But don’t let the one game make you forget about the first three times these two teams played this season.

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The first games were decided by 2, 2 and 3 points respectively. The Thunder had the chance to win every game, but Russell Westbrook was only able to close out one of the matchup. Andre Roberson has been able to contain James Harden in every game, so a close game in the final minutes may favor the Thunder come playoff time.

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Houston will have a game or two like this where OKC simply can’t score enough. But they also will have a game or two where they can’t hit anything (hopefully). If the Thunder can snag those and win another game off Westbrook’s heroics they could make it a seven-game series.

That’s really good folks. We have to temper our expectations because this team is nowhere near what we’re used to cheering for. I know it stinks, but it’s the simple truth. In a couple years we very well could be in the championship mix, but until then be realistic with your expectations for this team.

Trust me, it will only help your mental health in the long run.