HOUSTON — The Oklahoma City Thunder’s impressive 11-game winning streak came to a surprising end on Friday night as they fell to the Houston Rockets 125-111 at Toyota Center. This defeat marked the Thunder's first loss since March 10 and just their third since the All-Star break, effectively dashing their hopes of reaching a historic 70-win season.
The matchup was highly anticipated, with the Thunder (64-12) looking to extend their dominance over the Rockets (50-27), having already won three of the four meetings this season. But Houston, riding high after clinching a playoff spot with a recent blowout win over the Utah Jazz, had other plans. Jalen Green led the Rockets with a game-high 34 points, while Alperen Sengun added 31 points, demonstrating their offensive prowess.
From the outset, the Rockets set the tone, jumping out to an early lead and maintaining control throughout the game. They led by as many as 23 points in the first half, capitalizing on the Thunder’s struggles to hit outside shots and their inability to keep pace in transition. The Rockets dominated the boards, out-rebounding the Thunder and executing fast-break opportunities effectively. This was a stark contrast to the Thunder's recent performances, where they had thrived in similar situations.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who had been a key player for the Thunder, was held to just 22 points on 22 shots, a frustrating night for the All-Star guard. Jalen Williams tried to keep Oklahoma City in the game, scoring 33 points, including 11 in the fourth quarter, but it wasn’t enough to close the gap.
The Thunder’s starting lineup included Gilgeous-Alexander, Lu Dort, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, and Isaiah Hartenstein, while the Rockets featured Fred VanVleet, Green, Amen Thompson, Steven Adams, and Sengun. The absence of Dillon Brooks for the Rockets due to a league suspension was felt, but Houston managed to rally together, showcasing their depth and resilience.
Despite the loss, the Thunder had been riding high prior to this game, winning 11 straight and covering the spread in all those contests. They were a formidable force on the road, boasting a 29-7 record away from home. The Thunder also had the league's best point differential, a testament to their offensive and defensive capabilities throughout the season.
Looking ahead, the Thunder will aim to bounce back as they prepare for a two-game series against the Los Angeles Lakers starting Sunday, April 6. Both games will be crucial as they look to solidify their playoff positioning and regain momentum after this unexpected setback.
As the dust settles from this game, it serves as a potent reminder of the competitive nature of the NBA, where any team can emerge victorious on any given night. The Rockets, who have shown flashes of brilliance lately, will carry this momentum forward as they continue their push toward the playoffs.
For fans and analysts alike, this game revealed both the strengths and weaknesses of the Thunder. While they have been dominant this season, the loss highlights the need for consistency and adaptability as they move deeper into the postseason.
With the Thunder's aspirations for a historic season still alive, their journey continues, and fans will be eager to see how they respond to this defeat. The stakes are high, and every game counts as the playoffs approach.
The Thunder's next challenge will be against the Lakers, where they will look to reassert their dominance and prove that this loss was merely a bump in the road on their path to greatness.
