Thunderous Intentions
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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: Jerami Grant #9 of the OKC Thunder knocks PJ Tucker #4 of the Houston Rockets to the floor 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)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – DECEMBER 25: Jerami Grant #9 of the OKC Thunder knocks PJ Tucker #4 of the Houston Rockets to the floor 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) /

OKC Thunder Best Reserve

Oklahoma City Thunder. JERAMI GRANT. A+. . Power Forward

The Houston offense proved why Jerami Grant is still a better player off the bench than Josh Huestis. Grant’s experience has given him a better ability to read a complex NBA offense, hence why Billy Donovan opted to replace Roberson with the springy forward in the fourth-quarter. The difference in their +/- numbers is an even bigger indicator. He also appeared confident shooting his lone three-pointer tonight – we’ve got to monitor that moving forward.

Houston Rockets Best Player

JAMES HARDEN. B+. . Shooting Guard. Houston Rockets

Hate it all you want, James Harden’s ability to get to the free throw line gets results. When he couldn’t find an offensive rhythym (minus an impressive 14 assists and1 turnover), those free throws helped him find his shot on open attempts. The Rockets were able to hide him most of the night on Roberson, but when he got switched on anybody else the Thunder took advantage of his poor defense.

Final Thoughts

I covered a lot of it already, but I’ve got a few more things to address.

The Thunder need to acquire another bench shooter. Alex Abrines only played three minutes tonight. Although OKC has an immense of offensive superpower, they need a marksman that can win them a random Playoff game. Marco Belinelli sure is intriguing.

More from Thunderous Intentions

Don’t be disconcerted by Patrick Patterson’s nine minutes. I have a feeling Billy Donovan wanted to test Huestis and Grant against this offense to see where their status is midway through the season. He knows what he has in Patterson – there’s no sense in showing his hand before a potential Playoff matchup.

Billy D deserves a shoutout for this team’s recent success. Shoutout Billy D.

The Thunder are four games behind the San Antonio Spurs for the third weed out West. I’m not saying it’s going to happen, but anything is possible with 48 games left.

I’m sorry that I ever doubted things would come together.

It’s fitting that Christmas Day gave us the gift of genuine hope. I hope everybody reading this (even you Rockets fans) had a fantastic day.

Oklahoma City has another big time matchup in two days when the Eastern Conference-leading Toronto Raptors come to town. A victory would propel them to a sixth straight victory as they enter an easier stretch of the schedule. Thunderous Intentions will have you covered with all the content you’re heart desires in the mean time.

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