Rockets’ Balanced Offense Dominates Thunder in Game 2

MVP candidate James Harden scored 21, and six other Rockets racked up double figures as they took a commanding 2-0 lead after defeating Chris Paul and the Oklahoma City Thunder, 111-98.

Photo courtesy of Essentially Sports

Photo courtesy of Essentially Sports

The Rockets heavily relied on their outside shooting, sinking 19 out of 56 attempts to pull away with the win. Harden also tallied 5 rebounds, 9 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block. Harden struggled with his shooting with a quiet 5 of 16 clip, and 2 of 11 from long distance but he had a pivotal performance from his supporting cast.

Forwards Danuel House Jr. and Jeff Green combined for 34 points, while defensive specialist P.J Tucker added 14 and a perfect 4 out of 4 three-point shooting.

Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the team with 31 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block. He has been spectacular for the Thunder squad, but the team has been struggling to cruise past the hot-shooting Rockets. Thunder All-Star Chris Paul had a silent game, amassing 14 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals while Italian forward Danilo Gallinari added 17.

The Rockets are now 2 wins away from the moving on to the second round. 2018 MVP Russell Westbrook is yet to return to action due to a quad injury, but might have an extended rest as the Rockets sit on a 2-0 lead.

Oklahoma City is one of the surprising teams heading to the season. The team was able to grab the 5th seed in the heavily-contested Western Conference. But now, it seems like they hit a wall as they find themselves down 0-2. The Thunder will move on to Game 3 with a lot of desperation.

SCORES

Rockets (111) – Harden 21, House Jr. 19, Gordon 15, Green 15, Tucker 14, Rivers 11, Covington 10, McLemore 6

Thunder (98) – Gilgeous-Alexander 31, Gallinari 17, Paul 14, Schroder 13, Adams 8, Dort 8, Noel 4, Bazley 3, Diallo 0,Nader 0

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