The Houston Rockets are one step closer to the second round of the NBA playoffs, as they won 113-109 on the road against the Oklahoma City Thunder to take a 3-1 lead in the series. The Thunder led by four points after the break and saved that lead in the third quarter. But then The Rockets found their offense and outscored the Thunder 40-32 in the fourth quarter to grab the victory.
Nene had one of the greatest performances of his career
The MVP candidate James Harden wasn't effective on Sunday night, as he scored just 16 points, while shooting only 5 of 16 from the field and 0 of 7 from the free throw line.
Harden also grabbed seven rebounds and had eight assists in 39 minutes on the floor. But he led all Rockets starters in scoring, as only Trevor Ariza finished the game in double-digits with 14 points in 42 minutes of play. So, how effective was the Rockets bench? Very effective. Coach Mike D'Antoni used only three bench players in this game, as they combined for an incredible 64 points.
Nene was a crucial player for the visitors with 28 points and ten rebounds, shooting 12 of 12 from the field and 4 of 7 from the free throw line. Eric Gordon had 18 points and eight rebounds, while shooting 5 of 13 from the field and 4 of 7 from downtown in 36 minutes on the floor. Lou Williams played 31 minutes, scoring 18 points and grabbing seven rebounds, while shooting 5 of 13 from the field and 7 of 7 from the free throw line.
The Rockets bench outscored the Thunder bench by 42 points.
Russell Westbrook had another big triple-double
The Thunder went into halftime with a 58-54 lead, as Russell Westbrook posted a triple-double in the first half with 17 points, ten rebounds and ten assists. Westbrook finished the game with 35 points, 14 rebounds and 14 assists, while shooting 10 of 28 from the field, 3 of 8 from the outside and 12 of 13 from the free throw line.
Steven Adams added 18 points and seven rebounds, while Victor Oladipo added 15 points with a solid 7 of 10 shooting from the field. Andre Roberson scored 13 points, but had an awful night from the free throw line, as the Rockets decided to foul him intentionally. Roberson missed 10 of his 12 free throw attempts before coach Billy Donovan finally pulled him out of the game.
In that period Houston made a run and grabbed a big victory on the road, as they now have a chance to finish the series at home.
The next game is on the schedule for Tuesday at 8:00 pm, as the series will move to Houston.
