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5 reasons why the OKC Thunder can beat the Rockets

By Dillon Mattox

Jan 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) shoots against Houston Rockets forward Trevor Ariza (1) in the second half at Toyota Center. Houston Rockets won 118 to 116. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) shoots against Houston Rockets forward Trevor Ariza (1) in the second half at Toyota Center. Houston Rockets won 118 to 116. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /
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1. Billy Donovan

Billy Donovan was an unknown headed into last year’s playoffs. Many around the league questioned whether the Thunder had made the right move by this hiring. All of that changed once the playoffs started. Donovan went out in the 2016 playoffs and proved to be one of the better coaches in the league.

All of the tinkering that Donovan did during the regular season seemed to result in pay offs when spring arrived. Donovan knew exactly what lineups should have been on the court against a variety of differently skilled teams.

Related Story: 2017 free agent targets for the Thunder

Mike D’Antoni is an excellent coach for Houston, but the coaching advantage of this one has to go to Donovan. It will be interesting to see what route Donovan goes to slow down the Rockets. Will the Thunder decide to go big? That is where their strength lies, but it would be hard to keep up with Houston. It will definitely be quite a chess match for the series.

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