The Rockets are redeeming themselves in Oklahoma City

Led by the Celtics and Hornets, the Rockets responded by reclaiming precious success from Oklahoma City, still bereft of its Gilgeous-Alexander-Williams tandem and logically suffering in “money time.” For its part, Houston could count on the precision of Kevin Durant (20 points), the precious relay of the Eason-Smith Jr. couple, but also on the activity of Alperen Sengun, the author of a new triple-double of 17 points, 12 rebounds, 11 assists.

Houston quickly took control of the match, forcing Isaiah Joe, Kenrich and Jaylin Williams to answer with 3-pointers to get back into the game at the end of the first quarter (28-28). In its moment, the Thunder attacked the second act with an 18-4 spurt by Isaiah Joe, Chet Holmgren, Jared McCain’s first basket in his new colors, and with a counter by Isaiah Hartenstein, then a dunk by Cason Wallace at the end of this crazy run (46-32).

KD Lady Paicom Center

Stung, the Rockets responded before halftime with a 9-0 run thanks to long shots by JD Davison and Terry Eason. Enough to restart the match just before the break (52-46), especially since the Texans quickly got back on level terms with the Thunder (56-56), finally taking a new 9-0 lead with another pair of Davison-Eason shooting from distance, this time accompanied by Jabari Smith Jr. who went +4, then at 2 minutes with 1+2, then at 706 Alperen Sengun throws to confirm his triple double and bring the score to 74-80.

The Turk didn’t stop there, serving Dorian Finney-Smith from a distance before scoring a three-pointer to increase his team to +9 (79-88).

In turn, OKC found itself with its back against the wall and responded quickly, with a supercharged Cason Wallace making three straight baskets, including a 3-pointer, a supersonic Isaiah Joe on another layup to tie the game at 91-91 before seeing Alex Caruso hit a layup from behind the arc to put the hosts back in the lead (94-93).

Finally, it was Houston who started the money time with a 7-0 response initiated by Kevin Durant with 3 points and two baskets by Reid Shepard and Terry Eason (93-100). Despite a three-pointer by Alex Caruso and valuable baskets by Cason Wallace and Isaiah Joe, the Rockets held on, each time finding a solution to preserve the lead: Tarry Eason’s shot at the end of Kevin Durant’s possession, who finished the job with 4/4 free throws.

WHAT TO REMEMBER

– Kevin Durant’s Finals. Booed by his former crowd, Kevin Durant didn’t always celebrate during the match, like Alex Caruso’s “chasing block” that embarrassed him. But the money-for-money KD lived up to his legend with his mid-range basket under pressure and his 4/4 shooting that led Houston to victory. In contrast, OKC suffered from the absence of their leader Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at the end and no one could have that “clutch” side that could save the defending champions.

– Triple-double in three quarters for Alperen Sengun. His temperature rose throughout the match, and in the end he proved himself indispensable, through his work on the rebound, the quality of the finish, but also his vision of the game. His burst of energy allowed him to confirm his triple-double at the end of the third quarter, and his contribution at the end was once again valuable for the Texans. It took at least that to answer Isaiah Hartenstein, also in Point Center mode, with his career-high 11 assists.

– Tara Eason as the X factor. His best game of the season with 26 points, 8 rebounds, 3 steals and decisive actions that eventually tipped the scales in Houston’s favor, between his two baskets in “money time” and his free throw to contribute to the success of the Rockets.

– Jared McCain in the deep end. The former Sixers will long remember his welcome to the rock star after his first appearance with the new team. With 5 points, 2 rebounds and 1 assist, Jared McCain encouraged himself first. He could also see the level of competition at the guard positions, between Kason Wallace, Aaron Wiggins, Alex Caruso and Isaiah Joe, with SGA and Ajay Mitchell out.

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How to read statistics? Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive jump; T = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = point difference when the player is on the court; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.