Consistency is Crucial for OKC Thunder in Rematch with Houston
Oklahoma City will enter Saturday’s meeting with the Rockets coming off a recent loss to the very same team on Wednesday. OKC comes in on a two game skid, looking to bounce back and add a game to the win column.
The Thunder have a lot to look at from their most recent meeting with the Rockets. While they lost, there’s a clear path for the Thunder to leave victorious on Saturday.
Find an Offensive Rhythm
OKC’s offense was scorching hot in January, but struggled Wednesday to find consistency.
The young Thunder squad shot 36.9% from the field and 27.9% from 3-point range Wednesday resulting in a 112-106 loss.
Even OKC’s offensive backbone, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, struggled to find a groove, which has been a rarity this season. He did finish with 24 points, but shot 7-of-23 from the field.
Step Up on Defense
It remains to be seen if Lu Dort will return from a hamstring injury on Saturday, but even if he does OKC will need to provide him some help on that end.
OKC’s defense has been consistent and good this season, but it has seen stretches of lackluster performances.
In the last five games OKC has allowed 114.2 points per game to their opponents. On Saturday, OKC will be tasked with stopping a young Rockets offense with a variety of weapons that can score at all levels.
Attack the Glass
OKC has consistently been a great rebounding team. However, without true size some of their rebounds have been lost.
OKC currently sits at 11th in the NBA in rebounding, while Houston sits in third. On Wednesday, Houston controlled the boards winning the battle 65-52. Of the 65 rebounds, 24 of Houston’s came on the offensive end.
The Thunder don’t have to win the rebound battle per se, but keeping it closer could be a huge swing in the result of the game.
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