Good defensive game helps Rockets defeat Thunder

Seeing the final score of this game reminds me of when I watch the team I am the GM of in NBA 2K. Low scoring games and great defense. This game was like many of the scores I've had as the GM of the Orlando Magic in 2K14. Well tonight the Houston Rockets defeat the Westbrook-Durantless OKC Thunder 69-65. James Harden lead the way for the Rockets with 19 points. Here are the top stats for each team.


Top 5 Houston Rockets Scorers

James Harden- 19 points, 9 rebounds,  5 assists, 5/17 FG, 2/9 3PTFG, 7/8 FT
Dwight Howard- 12 points, 9 rebounds, 4/14 FG, 4/13 FT
Patrick Beverley- 12 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals, 4/10 FG, 2/8 3PTFG, 2/2 FT
Trevor Ariza- 11 points, 4 rebounds, 4/11 FG, 2/4 FT, 1/4 3PTFG
Donatas Motiejunas- 7 points, 9 rebounds,  3/9 FG, 1/2 FT, 0/2 3PTFG



Top 5 Oklahoma City Thunder Scorers

Reggie Jackson- 15 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, 3/11 FG,  9/9 FT,  0/3 3PTFG
Lance Thomas- 15 points, 2 assists, 4/11 FG, 7/8 FT
Serge Ibaka- 10 points, 6 rebounds, 5 blocks, 2 assists, 5/13 FG, 0/4 3PTFG
Sebastian Telfair- 9 points, 3 rebounds,  3/9 FG,  2/4 3PTFG, 1/1 FT
Jeremy Lamb- 5 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals, 2/5 FG, 1/4 3PTFG


Houston Rockets Thoughts

1. Four of their five starters did a great job in crashing the glass in this low offensive game.  4 of the starters had an least 8+ rebounds.  
2. If it wasn't for defense, the Rockets wouldn't have won this game, because the offense was just terrible.
3. Shooting 28.7 percent from the field is awful.
4. I really underestimated this team in the off-season.  I didn't think they would jump off to a 9-1 start. 
5. The absence of Chandler Parsons and replacing him with Trevor Ariza has improved this team defensively.  According to Yahoo Sports there may be a possibly that they might try and trade for Minnesota Timberwolves small forward Corey Brewer.  If they get Brewer the Rockets are going to be even more fun to watch.

Oklahoma City Thunder Thoughts

1. The Thunder are off to a horrible 3-8 start.   Injuries to Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant, Mitch McGary, Perry Jones are killing this team.  Once everyone is back, I can see this team fighting back.  
2. Shooting 29.4 percent is better than what the Rockets did, but still this team has little identity without Westbrook and or Durant.

Final Thoughts

Great defensive game from both teams, but the Rockets pulled it out. Congratulations to the Houston Rockets on their 9-1 start.  Can the Rockets keep this going? Do you think they will win the title this year?  Who knows? Thank you for reading Pro Basketball Hoops Land. The place where you can read articles, send comments and purchase Houston Rockets merchandise.   On the left side of my blog you can go and purchase Houston Rockets products. I encourage you to buy something from there today,  and thank you for reading and purchasing from Pro Basketball Hoops Land.




Houston Rockets Rugs

Houston Rockets NBA 39 x 59 Rug
Houston Rockets 5 x 8 Rug
Houston Rockets NBA 54 x 78 Repeating Rug
Houston Rockets NBA 21 x 78 Repeating Rug
Houston Rockets NBA 78 x 109 Repeating Rug
Houston Rockets NBA 28 x 310 Team Spirit Rug
Houston Rockets NBA 109 x 132 Repeating Rug
Houston Rockets NBA 310 x 54 Team Spirit Rug
Houston Rockets NBA 54 x 78 Team Spirit Rug