Thunder/Rockets Recap

While not like the Rockets first visit to Oklahoma City, this last Thunder/Rockets game still brings up old memories and  "what might have been."  I am (of course) speaking of the off season trade that sent the Bearded Wonder James Harden to Houston in exchange for Kevin Martin (and other players on both sides).  I'm sure it was less impactful than the first time around for both teams.  But the result was nearly the same, with a runaway 124-94 victory in favor of the road Thunder.

Harden fared a bit better in this one, but still struggled from the field, going 6-17, but created more opportunities for himself by hitting 11-14 freebies.  KD and Russ combined for 54, and Russ broke out of his mini shooting slump, by hitting hitting half of shots from the field.  KD was in beast mode as usual, and his defense is really hitting a new high this season with him chipping in 3 steals and 2 blocks.  Every starter posted a +/- in double digits, with Thabo posting a whopping +39 on the night.  Other than Harden, only Marcus Morris really showed up, hanging 24 on OKC mostly by hitting 4 3-pointers.  Toney Douglas had 17 in garbage time, and his -31 rating shows his ineffectiveness.

The Thunder bench got plenty of run in this blowout game, with Collison, Thabeet, Reggie Jackson, and KMart all getting heavy minutes.  I'm a firm believer in getting your bench run in during games like this, as it usually helps to prep them for minute during the playoff run when other players get in foul trouble.  And when they are effective in those minutes (like KMart's 19 points and Nicky C's 12/10 double double) even better.

Next game: Monday (today) against the Phoenix Suns.  Happy New Year everyone...and as always, #ThunderNationRISE