OKC Thunder Overcome Sluggish Start to Knock Off Houston Rockets

The Oklahoma City Thunder entered the contest against the Houston Rockets looking to reverse some recent history. Dropping five-straight in the Toyota Center, the Thunder have also not won a season series against their Space City foes since the 2020-21 campaign.

This game started out as a tug-of-war before the Houston Rockets enjoyed a 20-6 run to start the second frame, thanks to a massive dry spell by the Thunder's offense. Houston was the faster, more lively, physical, and aggressive team out of the gates, which saw their lead swell to 16 midway through the second quarter.

The Oklahoma City Thunder got back on track just three minutes before intermission, using a 17-5 run to turn the tide at the break. Their success did not slow down in the third period as OKC rattled off a 16-2 run to grow an eight-point cushion of their own.

A large reason for the Thunder's second-half turnaround was the impactful play of Chet Holmgren. The 2nd overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft posted a Thunder rookie record of 19 points in the fourth quarter, totaling 29 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and three blocks in this contest.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander chipped in 36 points, five rebounds, seven assists, three steals, and a block to snap the Thunder's losing streak in the Toyota Center and extend their winning streak to five straight.

Lu Dort continued his hot streak from beyond the arc, shooting 57 percent in the last four contests, Dort shot 4-for-6 tonight from 3-point land on his way to 16 points.

Oklahoma City not only matched their regular season win total from a season ago (40) but staked their claim to contender status, according to legendary head coach Phil Jackson, hitting the 40-win mark before dropping 20 games.

Up Next, these two teams will run it back in Oklahoma City on Feb. 27 on National Television.

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