The Rockets fell behind early in the game. Paul scored a three-pointer from a Terrance Ferguson assist to tie the game, a key play at the 9:30 mark in the 1st quarter.
Danilo Gallinari led the Thunder to their first run – a 2 minutes 10-0 push at the 9:10 mark in the 1st quarter scoring 8 points, and setting the score at 17-9. At the 6:36 mark in the 1st quarter, the Thunder went on an 18-4 run setting the score at 35-16. To finish out the 1st quarter.
McLemore scored a big three-point bucket, assisted by Westbrook, cutting the Houston Rockets deficit to only 16 points as the score was 37-21. With 26 seconds left in the 2nd quarter, James Harden scored a big three-pointer, cutting the Rockets deficit to only 12 points.
The score was 60-48 after Paul missed a layup to finish out the 2nd quarter. Harden made a shot, cutting the Rockets deficit to 10 points, a big play at the 11:48 mark in the 3rd quarter. At the 8:58 mark in the 3rd quarter, Paul scored a three-pointer, extending the Thunder 16 point lead.
Danilo Gallinari led the Thunder 5 minutes 13-3 push at the 6:53 mark in the 3rd quarter scoring 7 points and setting the score at 87-63. To close the 3rd quarter Chris Paul missed a jump shot as the score was 89-67. The Rockets couldn’t seem to get back into the game in the 4th quarter.
Chris Paul led the Thunder 1 minute 6-0 push at the 10:41 mark in the 4th quarter scoring 4 points and setting the score at 95-69. With 4:26 left in the 4th quarter, the Thunder went on a 6-0 run setting the score at 109-79. The score was 113-92 at the end of the game after Chris Clemons missed a jump shot.
Contributors for the Rockets: James Harden contributed 17 points (5-of-17 FG). Russell Westbrook had 34 points (14-of-26 shooting) and 5 assists. Clint Capela had 8 points (3-of-8 shooting) and 11 rebounds. PJ Tucker contributed 6 rebounds.
Top performers for the Thunder: Danilo Gallinari contributed 23 points (7-of-11 FG) and 11 rebounds. Mike Muscala contributed 8 rebounds. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 20 points (8-of-15 from the field). Steven Adams contributed 15 points (6-of-8 FG) and 8 rebounds. Chris Paul contributed 18 points (7-of-14 from the field), 5 assists and 6 rebounds. Both teams were mostly healthy.
The Rockets won the last meeting between the teams at home. The Thunder will attempt to keep their momentum going having won 4 out of their last 5 games. The Thunder next couple of matchups are home vs LAL, away vs MIN, home vs TOR. The Rockets next couple of matchups are home vs MIN, away vs MEM, home vs POR.
The Rockets were coming off a back-to-back, whereas the Thunder had a day to rest. Buy now NBA tickets at TickPick, with no extra fees.
