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Grades: Thunder outlast Rockets in epic Christmas Day dub

By Tony Heim

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - DECEMBER 25: Russell Westbrook #0 of the OKC Thunder celebrates during the second half of a NBA game against the Houston Rockets at the Chesapeake Energy Arena on December 25, 2017 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The Thunder defeated the Rockets 112-107. (Photo by J Pat Carter/Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - DECEMBER 25: Russell Westbrook #0 of the OKC Thunder celebrates during the second half of a NBA game against the Houston Rockets at the Chesapeake Energy Arena on December 25, 2017 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The Thunder defeated the Rockets 112-107. (Photo by J Pat Carter/Getty Images) /
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OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – DECEMBER 25: Steven Adams #12 of the OKC Thunder blocks Clint Capela #15 of the Houston Rockets during the second half of a NBA game at the Chesapeake Energy Arena on December 25, 2017 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The Thunder defeated the Rockets 112-107. (Photo by J Pat Carter/Getty Images) /

A five game win streak. A crunch-time closeout victory against one of best teams in the NBA. The Thunder couldn’t have asked for a better Christmas.

The Optimistic Meter is rising Thunder Nation. Oklahoma City went blow for blow with the Houston Rockets for 48 minutes, capping off one of the most memorable Christmas Day matchups in the franchise’s history. The 112-107 victory pushed the Thunder’s season-long win streak to five games. It moved them within four games of the third seeded San Antonio Spurs with over a half of the season to play.

Yes, I’m uncharacteristically overblown with happiness. But that’s how much I believe this was the beginning of something special.

OKC’s recent improved ball movement led to their most efficient offensive performance of the season tonight. The Thunder shot a season-high 54.4% shooting from the field; they made 8 of their 18 three-point attempts. Isolation basketball still played a large role in the offense, but Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony were creating easier looks for themselves, Russ at the rim and Carmelo in the mid-range. And when they couldn’t find a good look, the ball zipped around the perimeter until an opening presented itself.

There’s still a great deal that needs to be fixed before the Playoffs, especially on defense. Houston roasted OKC’s pick-and-roll coverage all night. The Thunder sloppily fouled four different three-point attempts. While there were natural negatives to this game, the overall culmination was what we expected when this roster finally came together on September 23rd.

I’m happy, you’re happy. Let’s celebrate with a special Christmas Day report card.

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