OKLAHOMA CITY — The Houston Rockets faced the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday night, March 3, 2025, and though they lost, the nature of the game provided unexpected thrills.
Despite being one of the heavily favored teams coming off consecutive wins, the Thunder entered the matchup knowing they were up against the wall due to their own injury struggles. Houston arrived at the Paycom Center with five rotation players sidelined: starters Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks, Amen Thompson, Alperen Sengun, alongside sixth man Tari Eason.
The Thunder took advantage of the Rockets' depleted lineup and proved why they stand proudly at the top of the NBA’s Western Conference. After trailing for much of the first half, the Thunder ended the game with a 137-128 victory, led by guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s jaw-dropping 51 points, affirming his status as the leading candidate for this year’s MVP award.
With five key players absent from their ranks, the Rockets opted for a diverse lineup featuring young talent. Players like Jalen Green and rookie Reed Sheppard rose to the occasion, showcasing their skills against one of the league’s best teams. Sheppard, making his first career start, put up 25 points, effectively leading the Rockets' scoring alongside the impressive Cam Whitmore, who also met his career-high by scoring 27 points.
"It was both of their first starts this season, as it was for Landale," said coach Ime Udoka on the make-shift lineup, illustrating the chances taken by Houston to adapt amid adversity.
Initially, the Rockets seized the momentum, leading by nine points at one stage of the game. They leveraged well on their shooting skills, achieving 54.2% from the field during the first half. Their ability to rebound also granted them early advantages on the boards, but as the match progressed, the Thunder recalibrated and took control.
Things took a turn during the third quarter when the Thunder, known for their explosive transitions, exploded with scoring, shooting 60.8% from the field. They outscored the Rockets 74-66 across the second half, demonstrating their overall team strength. The Thunder added 23 second-chance points, taking full advantage of missed opportunities from their opponent, which proved pivotal.
Oklahoma City began the final quarter leading 102-89, and though the Rockets made several attempts to close the gap, the Thunder's defense and superior sharpshooting kept them at bay. Following timeouts, the Thunder responded emphatically with key shots from players like Luguentz Dort, who hit several clutch 3-pointers. Their shooting accuracy, highlighted by making 16 out of 30 from beyond the arc (53.3%), was invaluable.
Gilgeous-Alexander's mesmerizing performance showcased why he is leading the MVP charge this season; he scored 51 points with ease, utilizing both his inside game and perimeter shooting. He’s had 38 games this season where he scored over 30 points, reflecting consistency and fortitude on the court.
Houston's attempts to shift the momentum back during the final quarter led to Sheppard scoring 10 points within the first minutes. The Rockets attempted to slash Oklahoma City's lead, drawing closer at 112-104, but clutch plays and defensive stands from the Thunder quelled Houston's momentum.
Despite the loss, there were several positive takeaways for the Rockets. Reed Sheppard's performance may mark the beginning of something special for his career; his development is something general manager Rafael Stone has high hopes for following the draft, where Sheppard was the third overall pick. N’Faly Dante also had his NBA debut, scoring 10 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks, injecting fresh enthusiasm for future matchups.
The absence of VanVleet, who sustained an ankle injury recently, loomed large over the Rockets. Udoka commented, "This one's different,” referring to VanVleet’s condition compared to prior injuries. He hopes the point guard will return soon, eyeing Tuesday's matchup against the Indiana Pacers as possibly optimistic.
Looking forward, the Thunder are set to face off against the Pacers on March 4, as both teams continue to navigate the demands of the 2025 season. The Rockets, who will try to bounce back, will have to strategically reconsider their approach as they take on the Pacers as well and the Pelicans shortly thereafter. The game outcome tasted bitter for the Rockets, yet it offered glimpses of hope with their youth stepping up, setting the stage for potential future success.