OKC Thunder grinds past Rockets to take Game 3 in overtime – Grades

The OKC Thunder use a gritty effort to get back into their series with the Houston Rockets, as they win Game 3 in thrilling fashion

You can exhale now, OKC Thunder fans.

This game today was the definition of a nail-biter between the Thunder and the Rockets for their Game 3 tilt. Emotions swung in both directions, each team had their moments, but ultimately it was OKC who ended up on top in this must-win game.

After two games of stagnant offense, the Thunder showcased more of the same to start this game. They looked lethargic and slow-moving on offense for most of the first quarter as Houston built a decent early lead. OKC’s ability to get to the free-throw line lets them stay in the game, as they only trailed by six going into the second frame.

Offenses for both teams heated up in the second period. James Harden did his thing and scored 19 second-quarter points as the Thunder got going to their own credit. Dennis Schroeder and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander did a great job of scoring to keep the Thunder afloat during Harden’s scoring sprees. Unfortunately for OKC, they couldn’t make a dent in the lead despite the offensive push and still trailed by six going into the half.

OKC Thunder grades for Game 3

The second half was make or break for this Oklahoma City team as they were staring a 3-0 series deficit square in the eyes if they were to lose this game. They played with the intensity and tenacity that is necessary to get back into a series like this one. Lu Dort and company turned up the defensive notch and cut the lead to four going into the final frame.

James Harden had it going on from everywhere besides 3-point land and Jeff Green had one of the better playoff games of his tenured career. Things were not looking good with OKC trailing by 5 late in the game.

Thankfully, two massive 3-pointers were made by Schroder and SGA to level this tightly contested game and send it to an overtime period. In overtime, James Harden picked up his sixth foul less than a minute in and was forced to sit the rest of the game. This allowed OKC to take advantage and waltz away with a 119-107 win to get back into the series.

What an important win. Monday cannot come soon enough. Let’s head over to our player grades for tonight’s contest.