This series has been a toss-up and Game 4 didn’t disappoint at all when it came to the excitement. Oklahoma City was coming into this game down 2-1 and wanted to get back in this series tonight with a big performance. This was a high scoring game but the game came down to adjustments and defense. Tonight Billy Donovan was able to make the proper adjustments in his lineup as he was able to allow his three guards to continue to attack the Rockets defense like they did in Game 3. Dennis Schröder’s seeing the basket right now bigger than the ocean as he was able to go for a playoff career-high in points tonight going for 30. Dennis has been able to bring that energy to the Thunder team on both sides of the ball and you can tell he’s got his legs back under him from missing those games outside the bubble. It didn’t matter who was in front of Dennis tonight his first step was lightning fast as he was blowing by the Rockets zone defense. When Dennis’ playing like this on a nightly basis it’s tough for anyone to beat the Thunder because their confidence is at an all-time high. If Dennis Schröder doesn’t win the 6th Man of the Year award it would be a crime because he means that much to this Thunder team.
Chris Paul came through with another clutch performance in back to back outings and has continued to show people this isn’t a flashback. CP3 finished the game with 26 points on the night but came through in clutch time just like he’s done for OKC during the regular season. Time and time again Chris Paul continues to put his teammates in a position to win and he continues to make the smart offensive play. One thing that really helps CP3 out is the fact that he knows the D’Atoni system and he already knows what the Rockets want to run. Down the stretch, Chris was able to get to his spots and used his stepback to finish the deal against the Rockets when it counted the most. Chris Paul was in the MVP discussion all season and tonight he was able to be extremely valuable in the biggest moments of the game. Billy Donovan has shown trust and faith in his team all season and remained calm when having his three guards take it to Houston on the court. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a quiet 18 points tonight but was all over the boards as he finished with 12 rebounds. Shai is the future of this team while being able to be in the present with leaders like Chris Paul and Dennis Schröder it’s really helped his game grow on a nightly basis. When SGA plays with this type of confidence he’s one of the smoothest players and he’s gaining this playoff experience that can help moving forward in this postseason.
The Houston Rockets had some chances to really put the Thunder away but never capitalized on it. Houston came out the gate in the second half 8/8 from the field and was up by 15 points. James Harden has been unstoppable in this series as we know he’s going to get his points but when he goes to the bench Houston struggles. Harden was guarded by Lu Dort again tonight as he finished with 32 points and 15 assists. The Thunder can live with Harden getting his points they can’t let the other guys on the Rockets shoot with confidence. Harden has been able to get anything he wanted in this series but it’s all about making him work and OKC has done that. Jeff Green has been killing the Thunder off the bench and he finished with only 10 points tonight. Jeff Green has used the mismatch against Steven Adams to his advantage but tonight the shots he was hitting before didn’t fall.
In the last two games, Danuel House has been able to score and make the most of the open looks that he’s received in breakdowns. House finished with 21 points tonight as this series has been all about the other guys. It’s clear that Harden has done everything that he can but since Lu Dort has entered the lineup it’s been a little tougher. The Rockets ramped up some of Russell Westbrook’s work as there is hope that he will come back for Game 5. If Russell Westbrook’s available for Game 5 in this series the emotions and physical play will be enhanced as the Brodie’s coming to save the day. Russell Westbrook in this series will be a huge boost to the Rockets as they look to advance to the next round.
Game 5 is on Wednesday as the series is now tied at (2-2)
Recent Comments