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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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3. Defense

Even in basketball the motto come playoff time is “defense wins championship.” The Thunder better be hoping this rings true in this series. The Rockets might have offensive threats all over the court but those same players are not quite the best on defense.

I already talked about the Thunder’s big lineup being their strength but the Thunder do have some options with a small lineup. The lineup I would suggest going with is Russell Westbrook, Victor Oladipo, Andre Roberson, Jerami Grant, and Steven Adams. These five players would have the ability to cover several positions at a high level.

Related: The Kiwi Bible – The ultimate guide to Steven Adams

Jerami Grant could be a secret weapon for Billy Donovan in this series. At one point in the season Donovan tried out Grant at center. It would definitely be quite a change for the Thunder. It is a change that can give OKC all kinds of flexibility on the defensive side of the ball. If Grant can start knocking down some shots then it will change the entire series.

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