Oklahoma City, March 3, 2025 – The Oklahoma City Thunder celebrated their 50th win of the season by overcoming the Houston Rockets 137-128 during a thrilling game marked by fierce competition and standout player performances. The game at the Paycom Center was filled with emotions as both teams fought for dominance, but it was the Thunder who managed to pull away.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the NBA’s scoring leader, dominated the night, scoring 51 points, marking the fourth time he surpassed the 50-point threshold this season. He finished the game with impressive statistics, making 18 of his 30 field goal attempts, including five out of nine three-pointers, and hitting all 10 of his free throws. His explosive first-half performance included 20 points, lying at the heart of Oklahoma City’s strategy.
The Rockets entered the matchup shorthanded, missing four key starters, including Alperen Sengun and Dillon Brooks due to injuries. This situation pushed Cam Whitmore, who was elevated to the starting lineup, to deliver his best performance this season. Whitmore matched his career highs, scoring 27 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. His play was commendable, going 10 of 19 from the field and 4 of 6 from beyond the arc, showcasing his efficient shooting. "Whitmore matched career highs with 27 points and 11 rebounds," noted sources covering the game.
Despite the challenges they faced, the Rockets started the game strong. Jalen Green was the only starter to play for Houston, but his leadership kept the momentum alive. Rookie Reed Sheppard shined bright, earning his first start of the season. Sheppard also made waves, contributing 25 points on 10 of 17 shooting, as he showcased his potential throughout the match. The Rockets were able to maintain pressure and even led by as much as nine points early on.
The Thunder, feeling the heat, retaliated quickly. By halftime, the Rockets only trailed by one, but the third quarter saw the game tilt the Thunder's way. Gilgeous-Alexander took off, reaching 45 points by the end of the third period, helping Oklahoma City establish a 102-89 lead going to the fourth quarter.
Houston, refusing to back down, made one final push at the start of the fourth quarter, closing the gap to just six points. Aggressive plays including fast breaks became the Rockets' weapons. Still, Oklahoma City reasserted their lead, driven by both Gilgeous-Alexander and Lu Dort, who hit back-to-back three-pointers, extending their edge to 120-106.
Key highlights included Dort’s steal leading to another Gilgeous-Alexander dunk, pushing the score to 128-117 with under four minutes left on the clock, which served as the moment sealing the game for the Thunder. The combination of the Thunder’s depth, including contributions from Jalen Williams, who added 24 points, made it difficult for the Rockets to bridge the gap.
Houston faced the harsh reality of competing against one of the deepest teams, lacking the manpower to effectively run with the Thunder. Even though the Rockets played at their usual fast pace, it wasn’t enough to keep the game close consistently. Analyzing the game, sources reported, "Rockets will face the Indiana Pacers on March 4, 2025," providing the Houston team with little time to regroup before their next challenge.
This thrilling encounter not only showcased the prowess of Gilgeous-Alexander but also spotlighted the resilience of Whitmore and his potential as he stepped up to fill significant shoes. The Rockets, now focusing on their upcoming game against the Pacers, will hope to see the return of their injured stars and perhaps bounce back from consecutive losses.
Meanwhile, the Thunder will look to extend their lead as they prepare for their match against the Memphis Grizzlies on March 5, 2025. This victory solidifies their position at the top of the Western Conference, showcasing their confidence as they approach the postseason, with players like Gilgeous-Alexander leading the charge.