Strongly believe the Thunder can/will win tonight

[choslamshe]

Let's be real for a minute. The Rockets are 100% worse with Russ on the court. This team loses its identity entirely with the role players like Cove, Tucker, House feeding off the primary scorers. Russ doesn't know how to not be Russ....taking bad shots and making horrendous turnovers.

I've read a lot about the Rockets not making the same mistakes as last game and ensuring Harden has the ball when it counts (another big game choker historically). This isn't entirely possible with Russ on the court and we could see it tonight.

If OKC is patient and avoids scoring droughts that have plagued them all year, game should again come down to the last half of the 4th quarter. And if that is the case, I will gladly bet that Russ and Harden continue their traditional ways.

+5.5 and taking that ML

 

[kane]

Let's be real for a minute. The Rockets are 100% worse with Russ on the court. This team loses its identity entirely with the role players like Cove, Tucker, House feeding off the primary scorers. Russ doesn't know how to not be Russ....taking bad shots and making horrendous turnovers.

I've read a lot about the Rockets not making the same mistakes as last game and ensuring Harden has the ball when it counts (another big game choker historically). This isn't entirely possible with Russ on the court and we could see it tonight.

If OKC is patient and avoids scoring droughts that have plagued them all year, game should again come down to the last half of the 4th quarter. And if that is the case, I will gladly bet that Russ and Harden continue their traditional ways.

+5.5 and taking that ML

If it's a close game late, I trust CP way more than either Russ or Harden

 

[choslamshe]

Just read an interesting stat that Harden/Westbrook have the worst FG % in the final minute when their team needs a bucket (however that is truly defined).

Both players a combined 5 for 41 in those situations.

 

[Cubs2020]

I felt good about my Rockets -5.5 already, but now I know it's a lock. Thanks, chloe

 

[winkyduck]

Either way whoever wins lasts no more than 6 games with the Lakers. Maybe only 5

 

[WildBill]

Either way whoever wins lasts no more than 6 games with the Lakers. Maybe only 5

Thunder are a much tougher matchup for the Lakers, but yeah they top out at winning two games. Rockets aren't easy to defend but Lakers will breeze through their defense.

 

[winkyduck]

Thunder are a much tougher matchup for the Lakers, but yeah they top out at winning two games. Rockets aren't easy to defend but Lakers will breeze through their defense.

I assume the Lakers play the winner on Friday. I could actually see the Lakers struggling or even losing - like with Portland - because of being off so long. I might be looking at the Lakers in 2h, depending on how 1h of G1 goes, because whoever wins this game might see their legs turn into cement Friday in 2h

 

[John Kelly]

Final score: Rockets 104 Thunder 102.

Cho had the right idea.

 

[jimmythegreek]

The last 6:00 were like watching keystone cops. 11 points combined for both teams. Harden 4/15, but his defense sound up saving Dantoni's job, at least for another week.

 

[WildBill]

The last 6:00 were like watching keystone cops. 11 points combined for both teams. Harden 4/15, but his defense sound up saving Dantoni's job, at least for another week.

It was how game sevens always seem to go. Teams tighten up and can't make a shot while players actually focus on defense.

 

[jimmythegreek]

It was how game sevens always seem to go. Teams tighten up and can't make a shot while players actually focus on defense.

Granted the defense was amped up for both teams. However, a ton of sloppy play made for an ugly ending. LA should have no trouble handling Houston in round 2.

 

[John Kelly]

Houston's NBA defense reminds me of Kansas City's NFL defense.

The defense rises to the occasion when needed.

Not pretty but gritty.