Despite strong individual performances, depleted OKC struggles offensively and defensively. Houston capitalizes on missing stars, clinching victory in a hard-fought contest.
Oklahoma City Thunder hosted the Houston Rockets on Saturday afternoon in a game in which OKC was severely undermanned, missing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, the team’s top two players, while Ajay Mitchell, who has been the team’s third-best offensive engine this season, was also sidelined. And it showed in this game, losing by a final score of 112-106.
After a hot start in the first half, the Thunder offense didn’t look as good in the second half. Oklahoma City also gave up 66 points on the defensive end to Houston, and that was the story here: the Rockets were simply the better team after halftime.
The Thunder did get key contributions from several players. Cason Wallace broke out again with 23 points. Isaiah Joe poured in 21. Chet Holmgren finished with 17 points and 14 rebounds. Aaron Wiggins scored 17, but nobody else on the team scored more than eight outside of that group.
This is going to be the case for the Thunder moving forward. Between now and the All-Star break, there’s no expectation that any of the missing players are going to come back. The Thunder is still the best team in the league when healthy, but the reality is that hasn’t been the case for Oklahoma City for the vast majority of the year.
The Rockets got key contributions from Tari Eason, who scored 26 points. OKC kept Kevin Durant quiet with just 20 points on the night. Jabari Smith Jr. had a huge game with 22, but only seven players for the Rockets scored. It was a balanced scoring attack, and one where Houston got key contributions when it needed them.
From here, the Thunder will next take on the LA Lakers in LA on Monday.