Thunder’s Poor Second Quarter Leads to Loss Against Houston Rockets in Summer League

After a 1-0 start in Las Vegas Summer League, the Oklahoma City Thunder played their second game, this time against the Houston Rockets. The Thunder eventually fell to the Rockets, losing 105-92.

The Thunder were without Chet Holmgren, Tre Mann, Jaylin Williams, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, Ousmane Dieng and Jared Butler were all inactive for the matchup.

The Rockets were just as shorthanded, with Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason all not playing.

The Rockets started the game incredibly quick, knocking down four 3-pointers within the first three minutes of the game. However, the Thunder were able to stabilize that with offense of their own.

Thunder rookie Keyontae Johnson got white-hot in the first quarter, tallying 11 points on 5-of-6 shooting in his five minutes played. The Thunder still trailed the Rockets 34-31 after the first frame.

As the two teams opened up the second quarter, the Rockets kept getting buckets with ease, whereas the Thunder's offense completely fell off. This led to the Rockets winning the quarter 28-15, taking a 62-46 halftime lead.

One bright spot for the Thunder was Caleb McConnell and his personal defense. KJ Williams also played well, scoring nine points and grabbing six boards in the half.

Cason Wallace struggled offensively in the first half, shooting 1-of-7 from the field and 1-of-6 from beyond the arc. It makes sense, though, as his team isn't as strong as it was for his first two matchups.

The third quarter would consist in the Thunder trying to mount a comeback. About midway through the third, they cut the Rockets' lead to single digits. This wouldn't matter, though, as the Rockets re-extended their lead.

Though the Thunder were unable to trim the lead, Williams was able to secure his double-double, putting up 17 points and ten rebounds through the three frames.

An early-quarter effort would once again allow the Thunder to bring the game back to singe-digits. Later in the quarter, the Rockets would essentially put the game away as Trevor Hudgins knocked down a 3-pointer for his 26th point.

The Rockets knocked down ten more 3-pointers than the Thunder did, which created a major advantage for them.

Williams and Johnson were the Thunder's top two scorers with 19 points apiece. Williams grabbed 13 rebounds and Johnson dished five assists, as both were impact players for the Thunder. Williams shot 8-of-13 from the field.

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