The Oklahoma City Thunder secured their spot in the NBA Cup finals with a decisive 111-96 victory over the Houston Rockets on Saturday night. After struggling through the first half, where both teams battled to find offensive rhythm, the Thunder exploded for 70 points after halftime, showcasing their resilience and adaptability.
Head coach Mark Daigneault termed the first half as "muddled," noting the low-scoring nature of the game. The Thunder managed only 41 points before the break, trailing by one point at halftime. Daigneault reflected on their offensive struggles, stating, “When you rely on jump shots, you rely on the highest variance shot in the game. I don't think we tested the paint and transition enough.” This observation proved to be pivotal as the Thunder adjusted their game plan effectively.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the standout star for the Thunder, scoring 32 points, with 20 of those coming in the second half alone. He demonstrated his ability to draw fouls, finishing 14-of-15 from the free-throw line. Gilgeous-Alexander’s performance was fueled by his drive to the basket, earning him significant praise: “The environment was dope. The fans were really fun,” he remarked, expressing his excitement about playing in Las Vegas.
The clash was, as expected, one of defense-first basketball. Both teams had made names for themselves with their strong defensive tactics—Oklahoma City led the league with the best scoring defense, limiting opponents to just over 103 points per game, and Houston was right on their heels. The game featured physical plays reminiscent of sports like football, where offensive opportunities were hard to come by for both teams.
Houston entered the game with confidence but struggled to maintain their scoring. Key player Fred VanVleet was held to just eight points on poor shooting. Dillon Brooks, another important scorer, finished with 14 points but shot only 5-of-17 from the field. The Rockets shot just 37% overall, and their inability to find consistent scoring options proved detrimental as they fell behind. “Their top three scorers combined for 73 points, but the other guys stalling out at 47 made the math too cumbersome,” noted Daigneault.
The Thunder took advantage of Houston's shooting woes and began their comeback early in the third quarter. They executed their game plan effectively, scoring 34 points during the third frame and opening the game up significantly. Lu Dort found his stride, scoring 14 out of his 19 points during this decisive half. "I think the crowd was kind of down, but we got it going, and it helped trigger our energy," Dort remarked after the game.
With contributions from Jalen Williams, who chipped in 20 points, and Isaiah Hartenstein scoring 21 points, the Thunder diversified their scoring, showcasing depth and teamwork. Hartenstein was particularly important inside, dominating the paint and limiting Houston’s Alperen Sengun, who struggled throughout the game. Daigneault noted, “The force we had in the pick-and-rolls allowed Hartenstein to get out some of the lobs and convert.”
The second half was marked by increased offensive efficiency, where Oklahoma City made aggressive plays under the basket and showed improved transition play. They regained control, leading 75-69 by the end of the third quarter. When Gilgeous-Alexander returned to the game, the Thunder extended their lead to double digits.
During the closing moments of the game, both Gilgeous-Alexander and Dort made important plays, leading the Thunder to their victory. "We saw the opportunities and took advantage," said Gilgeous-Alexander, who along with his teammates demonstrated excellent shot-making under pressure. The Thunder also capitalized on free-throw opportunities, shooting 28-of-32 from the line, sealing their win effectively.
Analyzing player performances, Gilgeous-Alexander received top grades for his all-around impact on the game. He was supported by contributions from Williams and Hartenstein, demonstrating the Thunder's capability to perform collectively under high-pressure scenarios. With four players reaching double-digit points, it is clear the Thunder's attacking strategy paid off against the Rockets' defense, which, coupled with their own staunch defensive display, led to the favorable outcome.
Now, with their eyes set on the finals, the Thunder will face the Milwaukee Bucks, who defeated the Atlanta Hawks earlier. The stakes couldn’t be higher, as the Cup championship will also offer each player over $300,000. Commenting on the finals, Daigneault said, “When you put anything on the line, the guys are going to be amped up for it.” The anticipation builds as Oklahoma City prepares for this pivotal matchup on Tuesday, with the basketball world watching closely.
Fans are eager for what promises to be another thrilling encounter, with Gilgeous-Alexander facing off against Giannis Antetokounmpo. Both players are up for MVP honors this season, making it not just about the championship title but also about personal accolades. Oklahoma City has proven they can rise to the occasion, and their progress through the NBA Cup has provided valuable experience as they eye championship glory.
