The Oklahoma City Thunder have been eliminated from the 2017 NBA Playoffs. The final nail in the coffin came on Tuesday night from Houston, where OKC and the Rockets played game five of their best-of-seven series. With Houston leading the series 3-1, the Rockets needed to win one of the next three games to advance to the second round. They didn't delay, closing the series out at first opportunity with a 105-99 victory
Russell Westbrook scored 47
Russell Westbrook was his normal self in the game as he poured in 47 points to lead all scorers. He also had 11 assists and nine rebounds in the outing, narrowly missing out on a triple-double.
However, his dominance in the game reveals part of the problem with the Okc Thunder: since the team's next-leading scorer had just 11 points, a one-man-show is clearly no way of building a championship contender.
Houston, as a contrast, received meaningful offense from four players. James Harden had 34 points, Patrick Beverley had 15, Nene had 14, and Lou Williams had 22. That depth is what makes Houston a much more dangerous team in the NBA playoffs. Their scorers can rest at some points in their games to be more effective at others. Furthermore, OKC could never sell out on defending just one player, something that Houston could do to curtail the Thunder's offense.
What's next for the Houston Rockets?
Next for the Rockets is a second-round date with either the Memphis Grizzlies or the San Antonio Spurs. Those two teams headed into the evening tied at 2-2 in their best-of-seven series.
Either the Grizzlies or the Spurs would provide a tough second-round series. However, you have to think that the Rockets would be better off playing Memphis, just because the Grizzlies are seeded 7th.
Houston would be looking at an away series if they faced the Spurs while the Rockets would get a bonus home series if they faced the Grizzlies. Without even looking at the match-ups, that right there would give Houston a small boost.
As for the Oklahoma City Thunder, they will now have to answer questions about how to build a contender.
They may yet have the league MVP in Russell Westbrook, but a stronger supporting cast is clearly needed if they are going to be in contention for the conference title next season.
Whether that means working with the players, they got in hopes of getting better or signing a free agent during the offseason remains to be seen. However, it's clear to anyone that has paid attention to the Thunder, that a mega-star can't lead a team far - even if his personal stats are MVP caliber.
