NBA Playoffs – Five Houston Players The OKC Thunder Need To Stop

Eric Gordon

Sixth man of the year candidate Eric Gordon has liked playing with the OKC Thunder this year. He has scored 19.0 points per game in the four contests. This is three points up from his season average.

Keeping the ball out of Gordon’s hands in scoring positions is crucial to the success of the Thunder in this Playoff series.

Gordon has been a revelation at the Rockets this year. His numbers fell off in the second half. Moreover, the arrival of Lou Williams while offering yet another sharp shooter meant the ball had to spread among the shooters (Gordon, Anderson, Williams) .

A concern for the Rockets going into the Playoffs is that n the last six games  he has played Gordon has shot 15 of 54 from deep. That is only 28 percent. Not a number which will help the Rockets advance.

The problem is that Gordon is also an elusive cutter, being able to find room near the hoop where he can receive the ball for an easy two. Keeping the ball out of his hands in this situation is a must for the OKC Thunder.

If Gordon gets his confidence up from either close in or outside the arc. He can be a handful for any team. The OKC Thunder need to make Gordon work hard on defense which is not his strong suit (though he’s looked better this season). If his player keeps moving and cutting so that he cannot rest then Gordon will hopefully not feel it as much on offense.