Thunder Clamp Down in Fourth, Hand Rockets Rare Home Loss
HOUSTON - The Houston Rockets went toe-to-toe with the defending champs for three quarters. But when it came time to close, the Oklahoma City Thunder reminded everyone why they’re sitting atop the NBA with the league’s best record - and the most suffocating defense.
In a rematch of their double-overtime thriller from opening night, Thursday’s game had all the makings of another tight finish - until the fourth quarter hit. The Rockets, trailing by just two heading into the final frame, couldn’t buy a bucket when it mattered most. They managed only eight points in the first 10 minutes of the fourth, and the Thunder took full advantage, pulling away for a 111-91 win.
For Houston, it was only their second home loss in the last 14 games. But this one stung, not just because of who they lost to, but how.
Let’s break it down.
Thunder Defense Turns the Screws
Oklahoma City came in with the NBA’s top-rated defense, and they lived up to the billing. The Rockets shot just 33.7% from the field and 29.2% from deep - numbers that simply won’t cut it against a team this sharp on both ends.
Kevin Durant, who’s been a steadying force for Houston, had a rough shooting night, going just 7-of-23 from the floor and missing all five of his three-point attempts. He still managed 19 points and added seven assists and three steals, but the efficiency just wasn’t there.
Jabari Smith Jr. put up a double-double with 17 points and 10 boards, and he was perfect from the free-throw line. But he also turned the ball over five times and shot just 5-of-15 from the field.
Alperen Sengun continued to show his versatility with 14 points, 13 rebounds, and five assists, though he too had five turnovers. The Thunder’s length and rotations clearly disrupted Houston’s offensive rhythm, especially in the halfcourt.
Amen Thompson brought his usual energy - 13 points, nine rebounds, and a couple of steals - but he struggled to finish, hitting just 4-of-16 shots.
The bench didn’t offer much relief either. Reed Sheppard, JD Davison, and Josh Okogie combined to shoot 7-of-25. For a team that’s relied on depth to fuel its recent home success, this was a step back.
Shai and the Supporting Cast Shine
On the other side, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander played like the MVP he is. He didn’t need to dominate - 20 points and four assists on 6-of-11 shooting - but his efficiency and control were exactly what the Thunder needed to keep the Rockets at bay.
And while Shai was steady, it was AJ Mitchell off the bench who delivered the dagger. The rookie guard poured in 17 points on a blistering 7-of-10 shooting, including 3-of-4 from beyond the arc. His offensive burst in the second half created the separation Oklahoma City needed, and several of his makes came with Sheppard draped all over him.
The Thunder shot 46.1% overall and 39.0% from deep, and while they were out-rebounded 60-44 - including 6 offensive boards from Steven Adams - their shot-making and defensive execution more than made up for it.
Looking Ahead
The Rockets don’t have much time to dwell on this one. They’re right back at it Friday night, hosting the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second game of a back-to-back at Toyota Center.
Tipoff is set for 8:30 p.m. Central, and it’ll be nationally televised on ESPN.
For Houston, the challenge will be bouncing back offensively against another elite defense. The Timberwolves bring their own brand of physicality and size, and the Rockets will need cleaner execution, better shot selection, and sharper ball movement if they want to avoid a second straight home loss.
The Rockets have shown they can hang with the league’s best. But to beat them? That’s going to take four full quarters - not just three.