OKC Thunder out duel the Rockets to even the series: Grades
By Sinjin Snope
In what turned into an old western shootout, the OKC Thunder outlasted the Rockets to even the series at two games apiece.
Another game, another nail biter for the OKC Thunder.
Thankfully for them and their fans, they outlasted a terrifying Rockets team to even this series at 2 games apiece. The offense was on display for both teams tonight, and the OKC Thunder had to hold on late to bring this one home. What a game we had down in the bubble this afternoon. James Harden was out to prove he can’t be stopped by anyone and succeeded, as he scored 13 first-quarter points en route to a 37-35 Houston lead after one-quarter of play.
The OKC Thunder’s offense has looked ghastly at times this series, but it continued its good fortunes into the second period of this game. Dennis Schroder played sensational once again as he led the bench unit for OKC and evened this tightly contested game at 60-60 going into halftime.
114. 169. 117. 149. Final
One thing that makes the Houston Rockets so frightening, is their ability to hit 3-pointers at a rate unlike any team in the NBA. When this happens, as it did in the early parts of the 3rd quarter, the opposition feels helpless.
How can a team withstand 8 consecutive triples made by the Rockets coming out of halftime? I don’t know how, but somehow, the OKC Thunder stemmed the tide and countered that sucker punch with one of their own. After the dust settled, OKC was only trailing by 1 going into the 4th quarter, instead of 15 like they were earlier in the frame.
Fourth-quarter playoff basketball is nerve-wracking. It feels like the combination of a heavyweight title fight and the moments before a big exam. The anticipation is palpable. This was certainly the case for today’s 4th quarter between the OKC Thunder and Houston Rockets.
Each team traded blow after blow, lead after lead, going into the final moments. Thankfully, OKC has been in these situations all year and rode that experience, and Chris Paul‘s clutch shot-making, to a thrilling 117-114 victory.
The series is even now. Russell Westbrook will almost certainly return from injury sooner than later. Buckle up ladies and gentlemen, this just got interesting. On to player grades!