Preview: The OKC Thunder face conference rival the Houston Rockets in home finale
By Alex Mcewen
In the regular season home finale, the OKC Thunder battle the red hot Houston Rockets, seeking to secure the season series victory.
In a match the OKC Thunder desperately needed, the Minnesota Timberwolves made the outcome a little too close for comfort, but Oklahoma City ultimately prevailed 132-126. All-Star starter Paul George was quiet in the first half, scoring six points on 2-11 shooting.
However, in the second half, PG was sensational, dropping 21 points on 6-11 shooting from the floor and going perfect 7-7 from the charity stripe. Russell Westbrook registered his league-leading 32nd triple-double, he currently has 20 more TDs than second place Nikola Jokic.
The star of the game was the sixth man; Dennis Schroder. OKC’s back-up point guard scored 14 of his 21 points in the games final frame. His performance was reminiscent of former Thunder sixth man and closer Reggie Jackson. So long as Schroder can continue to close out games after Russ and PG put the Thunder in position to win, he will take tremendous pressure off OKC’s All-Star duo.
Full perspective view
Although the Thunder offense provided the second-highest output since the All-Star break; their defense allowed the third most points since February 15, and the most since Oklahoma City faced Minnesota on March 5.
Furthermore, prior to their 37-point quarter on Sunday afternoon, the T-Wolves strung together one 37-point or better period since facing the Thunder on March 5. Against Oklahoma City, Minnesota shot 54.1 percent from the floor and 43.5 percent from long-distance.
The contest marked the fifth instance, OKC has allowed their opponent 50 percent, or better from the field. At one point during the second half, ESPN/ABC announcers Mark Jackson and Jeff Van Gundy called the Thunder’s defense pathetic. If the Thunder allows Houston the same percentages this evening, OKC will lose the ballgame.