The Oklahoma City Thunder came into this game on a six-game win streak and wanted to continue that against Houston. A lot of sports outlets around the country say that OKC hasn’t beat top-tier tier team. Coming into the season the Houston Rockets were able to acquire Carmelo Anthony via free agency and people have them going back to the WCF. The Thunder, on the other hand, was able to add Dennis Schroder in a trade for Melo during the offseason. This is the first time that Melo came back to OKC to play and with Russell Westbrook out for the second game nursing his sprained left ankle the lights were on for Schroder to prove to OKC that he can be a huge playmaker and shotmaker.
The Thunder opened up the game extremely hot from the field and they were able to take care of the paint. This was back to back games that the Thunder and Steven Adams made sure to dominate the paint. Steven Adams was able to do whatever he wanted to do against the interior of the Houston Rockets. One thing that Steven Adams has improved on during this season has been his post moves and his mini hook shot. Steven has been able to bring back the center position and gets high praise from players around the lead. Clint Capela was trying to hold Steven Adams in check in the paint and wasn’t able too. Adams finished the game with 19 points and 10 rebounds on the night and was able to do as he pleased when given the opportunity. The Thunder played very aggressively and one of the players that were able to set the tone for OKC was Paul George. PG-13 was being aggressive tonight and was attacking the paint when he had the mismatch tonight. Paul George was able to show people why he’s one of the best players in the NBA as he defending James Harden and taking the challenge personally. PG finished the game with 20 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists and was able to get to his spots and create for teammates. Paul was the clear-cut leader and was able to show his leadership tonight as he was setting the tone on both ends for the team.
Collectively OKC was able to have 6 players that were in double figures. Players on the Thunder have stepped up and picked up their game over this 7 game winning streak. Russell Westbrook wasn’t playing but he was just as much involved in the game as if he was by helping on plays. The energy that Westbrook brought to the team on the bench and his presence helps the team and gives them a boost. Overall this team has been clicking and they were able to hold the Houston Rockets to 26% from the 3 point line on the night. James Harden had 19 points but he had to work for those points with Paul George guarding him. The Rockets missed a lot of shots that they normally make and are still trying to figure out their team on both sides. OKC has already gelled together and they have been one of the hottest teams in the NBA and that has got them to 4th place in the Western Conference now.
The Oklahoma City Thunder will play the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday trying to take that seven-game winning streak to eight.
Photo Credit: Sky Sports
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