The Oklahoma City Thunder came into this game on a six-game win streak and wanted to continue that against Houston. A lot of sports outlets around the country say that OKC hasn’t beat top-tier tier team. Coming into the season the Houston Rockets were able to acquire Carmelo Anthony via free agency and people have them going back to the WCF. The Thunder, on the other hand, was able to add Dennis Schroder in a trade for Melo during the offseason. This is the first time that Melo came back to OKC to play and with Russell Westbrook out for the second game nursing his sprained left ankle the lights were on for Schroder to prove to OKC that he can be a huge playmaker and shotmaker.

The Thunder opened up the game extremely hot from the field and they were able to take care of the paint. This was back to back games that the Thunder and Steven Adams made sure to dominate the paint. Steven Adams was able to do whatever he wanted to do against the interior of the Houston Rockets. One thing that Steven Adams has improved on during this season has been his post moves and his mini hook shot. Steven has been able to bring back the center position and gets high praise from players around the lead. Clint Capela was trying to hold Steven Adams in check in the paint and wasn’t able too. Adams finished the game with 19 points and 10 rebounds on the night and was able to do as he pleased when given the opportunity. The Thunder played very aggressively and one of the players that were able to set the tone for OKC was Paul George. PG-13 was being aggressive tonight and was attacking the paint when he had the mismatch tonight. Paul George was able to show people why he’s one of the best players in the NBA as he defending James Harden and taking the challenge personally. PG finished the game with 20 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists and was able to get to his spots and create for teammates. Paul was the clear-cut leader and was able to show his leadership tonight as he was setting the tone on both ends for the team.

Collectively OKC was able to have 6 players that were in double figures. Players on the Thunder have stepped up and picked up their game over this 7 game winning streak. Russell Westbrook wasn’t playing but he was just as much involved in the game as if he was by helping on plays. The energy that Westbrook brought to the team on the bench and his presence helps the team and gives them a boost. Overall this team has been clicking and they were able to hold the Houston Rockets to 26% from the 3 point line on the night. James Harden had 19 points but he had to work for those points with Paul George guarding him. The Rockets missed a lot of shots that they normally make and are still trying to figure out their team on both sides. OKC has already gelled together and they have been one of the hottest teams in the NBA and that has got them to 4th place in the Western Conference now.

The Oklahoma City Thunder will play the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday trying to take that seven-game winning streak to eight.

Photo Credit: Sky Sports

The Boston Celtics and Oklahoma City Thunder were coming into tonight’s game after a previous loss. The Celtics were 2-2 while the Thunder were 0-3 on the young season. The Thunder came out clicking on all cylinders and was able to make anything it seemed that was going up. Paul George had his game rolling as he slashed to the basket and used his jumper to get the team going. Russell Westbrook was in quick foul trouble early and wasn’t allowed to be as aggressive when he attacks the defense. Jayson Tatum was the bright spot for the Celtics as he was able to get to the basket and find his spot on the floor automatically it seemed.

Paul George and Russell Westbrook combined for 35 points on the night and weren’t able to get a smooth rhythm offensively in that second half. The Thunder bench showed up and helped out in a big way to try to take some pressure off Westbrook and George. Dennis Schroder had 10 points and didn’t play the way he wanted too on the night. There was a couple of possessions where Schroder was able to find Noel or Patterson for some great baskets in crucial moments. The Thunder in the first half contained the Celtics and made it tough for them to score and capitalized on every opportunity to get their lead to 16 points.

The Celtics came out the second half looking like a brand new team and were able to get any shot they wanted on the perimeter. The comeback for the Celtics started when Al Horford got hot from the 3 point line hitting 3 out of 4 to bring the C’s within 10 points. After Horford got things rolling for the Celtics then the rest of the team followed as Kyrie Irving and Jayson Tatum started to facilitate and get other teammates involved. One of those teammates that got involved and was scorching hot was Marcus Morris who went off for 21 points off the bench. He was able to bring that energy and was knocking down big 3’s when the Celtics needed it. The Thunder were hanging in there as well getting a spark from Alex Abrines who hit some timely 3 pointers to help gain the lead. Some of the shot selection down the stretch may have hurt the Thunder and their chances to win but this is all apart of growth. This was only Westbrooks second game back and they still have to try and gel together.

The Celtics made some key baskets at the end and were able to knock down free throws something they didn’t do in the first half to seal the deal. The Thunder lost but this can be used as a motivational tool to get them over the hump for the next game. OKC will play against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday and need a win badly.