Thunder vs Rockets: Pregame Primer

vs.

Thunder (3-0, 1-0 road) vs. Rockets (0-3, 0-1 home)

TV: NBA TV/FS Oklahoma
Stream: Click here
Radio: WWLS The Sports Animal (98.1 FM, 640 AM, 1300 AM The Buzz Tulsa)
Time: 7:00 CT

Offensive Rating: Thunder – 115.2 (2nd), Houston – 90.2 (28th)
Defensive Rating: Thunder – 104.9 (21st), Houston – 110.5 (25th)

Make that 3-0 for Big Blue. The Thunder after three games now rank 2nd in Rebounds and 5th in Assists (32 last night, most last season was 31). Serge Ibaka got on track with a very productive night: 18 pts (8-13), 7 rebs, 4 asts, 5 bks, and was a game high +27 in 30 minutes of action. Not such a great night for rookie Emmanuel Mudiay however. Russ torched the youngin’ for a near triple-double and was held to just six points on 14 shots and committed four turnovers.

Tonight it’s onto Houston to face the 0-3 Rockets – the first team in NBA history to start the season with back-to-back-to-back 30-point losses. The Rockets offense has struggled without Terrance Jones for two of the three games as well as missing Dwight Howard for two. Both are questionable for tonight’s game as well as Donatas Motiejunas (as of 2pm Monday afternoon).

“We’ve got to get better as a team,” Coach Kevin McHale said. “We’re not where we want to be in many, many areas. That’s just where we’re at.”

Well, ready or not, here comes the undefeated Thunder.

3 Big Things

1. Defending Harden

Harden has opened up this season 3-32 from the three-point line in the Rockets’ first three games and shooting just 22 percent from the field.

Here’s what Harden said to ESPN’s Israel Gutierrez, “I’m just shooting my shots that I normally shoot. I’m not really trying to think about it too much. As good of a shooter as I am, I’m still going to have struggles throughout the season. This is the first couple games, so it’s tough. But just stay with it.”

However Harden’s poor shooting from the perimeter hasn’t stopped him from getting to the free-throw line like only he can — he’s averaging 10.3 FTA per game. Tonight Andre Roberson gets to show his chops with the initial assignment on Harden. And if you think there’s something extra for Harden playing against his former team, there’s just as much there for Andre Roberson to slow him down. Keeping him off the free-throw line is priority number one, and forcing him into jump shots and passes.

I would also expect Waiters and Russ to get a crack at #13 in red at some point, which ya know, should be fun.

2. Transition Defense

It’s nothing new — the Rockets run for layups and 3’s. More than any other team Houston puts pressure on defenses to stay disciplined and locked in after misses and even after makes. If the Thunder can eliminate Houston’s run-outs and keep them in the half-court (where they’ve struggled without a stretch-4) the Thunder could be in business.

Easier said than done.

3. Rebounding

This team led the league in rebounds per game last season and was consistently an elite rebounding team under Brooks. One concern coming into this season was if Donovan’s systems would affect the production on the glass. So far? Not at all. And it makes total sense, this team is loaded with bigs that have a nose for the ball and are extremely physical on the glass.

Tonight they can control the tempo of the game by outworking guys like Howard, Clint Capela, Montrezl Harrell and others. Houston also sends Corey Brewer and Trevor Ariza to the offensive glass, something Durant and others will have to be mindful of.

4. (Bonus Thing) Russell Westbrook vs Pat Bev.

Sunday’s COTN: “‘I’m going to tell you a story about the relationship between Malone and Donovan. They actually don’t know each other that well…’ – Brian Davis.” – @Nomad

Missed you, BD.

Tip at 7:00 CT. Go 4-0.