The Oklahoma City Thunder showcased their potential in their second preseason game, with their regular roster proving why they're viewed as strong contenders for the 2024-25 season. The Houston Rockets, however, brought intensity and energy, highlighting their own young talent and showing they are ready to compete this season.

But despite an early dominance, Oklahoma City's depth couldn't hold off the Houston Rockets, ultimately falling short in overtime. Here's a recap of the thrilling contest between the Thunder and the Rockets.

Strong Start from the Thunder's Regulars

The Thunder begin the day as favorites against the Houston Rockets, according to the FanDuel NBA odds.

The Thunder's defensive intensity and quick offensive execution set the tone early in the game. With last season's 57-win campaign, they showed why they are projected to be even better this season.

Missing only Kenrich Williams, Jaylin Williams, and Nikola Topic due to injuries, the Thunder started most of their regular players, quickly erasing doubts about their potential.

In what may be a preview of their starting five, Oklahoma City jumped out to a 12-2 run, forcing Houston to call an early timeout. The Thunder’s relentless defensive pressure led to deflections, steals, and blocks that disrupted Houston’s offensive rhythm.

Their ability to switch defensively and aggressively contest shots gave fans a glimpse of what they could expect throughout the season.

Thunder’s Defense Stifles Houston

The Thunder’s defense continued to stifle the Rockets throughout the first half. Oklahoma City controlled the glass, out-rebounding Houston 23-21, and forced 13 turnovers. Their rim protection was also impressive, swatting away five shots, making it difficult for Houston to get anything inside.

Head coach Mark Daigneault masterfully blended lineups, using a combination of regulars and emerging talent to keep the Rockets on their heels. This rotation flexibility is one of the Thunder’s key strengths and could prove vital as the season progresses.

Second-Half Struggles: Rockets Narrow the Gap

After halftime, the Thunder’s approach shifted as Daigneault gave their young players more minutes. Cason Wallace, Isaiah Joe, Aaron Wiggins, Dillon Jones, and Ousmane Dieng started the second half, signaling a focus on developing the team’s depth.

Meanwhile, the Rockets kept their regular rotation in the game, which allowed them to chip away at the Thunder’s lead.

By the end of the third quarter, Houston had narrowed the gap to just one point. Despite strong play from the Thunder’s youngsters, the Rockets’ experience and continuity in the second half began to turn the tide in their favor.

Rockets Rally Past Thunder in Overtime After Early Shooting Woes

The Houston Rockets overcame early offensive struggles to defeat the Oklahoma City Thunder 122-113 in overtime on Wednesday night. Despite a slow start, with key players like Fred VanVleet sitting out, Houston gradually found their rhythm.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 15 points in the first half, but the Rockets fought back in the second, narrowing the Thunder's double-digit lead. A crucial play came in the final seconds of regulation when Jermaine Samuels Jr. intentionally missed a free throw, allowing Jack McVeigh to score a buzzer-beater to force overtime.

In overtime, the Rockets seized momentum and quickly pulled ahead, securing the victory. The absence of VanVleet highlighted Houston's offensive struggles, particularly with their three-point shooting, but Dillon Brooks and others stepped up.

Brooks contributed with three three-pointers, and Tari Eason, returning from injury, provided strong rebounding and paint efficiency. Rookie guard Reed Sheppard also showed improvement, scoring efficiently after a shaky performance against Utah.

The Rockets will aim to build on this win as they prepare for their next preseason game against the New Orleans Pelicans. Despite a rocky start to the preseason, they’ve displayed potential when their lineup is in sync.

Key Takeaways

1. Thunder's Defense Is Elite: Oklahoma City’s defense was as good as advertised, especially in the first half. Their ability to force turnovers, control the glass, and protect the rim will be crucial throughout the season. The team's defensive versatility and ability to switch on screens disrupted Houston's offense, giving them a tough time in the game's early stages.
2. Rockets' Offense Shines but Turnovers Raise Concerns: Despite an impressive 122-113 overtime win, the Rockets' offense, which tallied 106 points in regulation, was hindered by 19 turnovers. Houston's efficient shooting was a highlight, but ball control remains an area for improvement heading into the regular season.
3. Young Players Show Potential: Although they couldn’t secure the win, the Thunder’s young core gained valuable experience in this game. Players like Dillon Jones and Ousmane Dieng showed flashes of brilliance, indicating that the Thunder’s depth could play a significant role as the season progresses.
4. Rockets’ Second-Half Surge: Houston’s decision to keep their regular rotation players on the floor in the second half paid off. Their ability to close the gap and eventually win in overtime demonstrates the Rockets' depth and resilience, which could make them a competitive team this season.

Final Thoughts

The Thunder and Rockets faced off in an exciting game, showcasing both teams' strengths and challenges for the season ahead. The Thunder’s early dominance and strong defense demonstrated their contender status, while the Rockets showed resilience, overcoming a slow start to secure an overtime victory.

Both teams displayed depth and talent, giving fans a glimpse of their potential. As the preseason progresses, fans can expect even more intense and competitive matchups from these two promising squads.