The Houston Rockets started their quest for a third championship with a bang, as they demolished Russell Westbrook and the OKC Thunder 118-87. Despite a sluggish start in the first quarter, a quarter in which the Thunder outscored Houston 29-27, the Rockets went on a run that really did not end until the final buzzer had sounded. After that first quarter, the Rockets went on a 91-58 run to seize control and put OKC away.
James Harden, who battled Westbrook all season long for the MVP award, started off poorly in the first quarter, but was picked up by fellow guard Patrick Beverley. Pat was great offensively, scoring 21 points, a playoff career high, as well as 10 rebounds. In addition, Beverley was a big reason why Russ struggled throughout the game, pestering the Thunder point guard throughout the game, helping causing 9 turnovers and a 6-23 night from the field. OKC shot 37% from the field for the game, thanks in large part to Russ’ percentage from the field, as well as Victor Oladipo, who finished 1-12.
James Harden caught fire after a 1-7 first quarter, finishing the game with 37 points and 9 assists, and a mere 2 turnovers. After that slow start in the first quarter, Harden shot 12-21 for the rest of the game. Role players will be very important in the outcome of this series, and the Rockets role guys definitely outplayed their OKC counterparts in Game 1. Nene only played 19 minutes, but finished with 15 points and 5 rebounds, and only missed one shot, going 7-8 from the field. Houston shot 50% overall, and outrebounded the Thunder 56-41, including 14 offensive rebounds, both stats which will be a key for the series going forward. The Thunder were the best rebounding team in the NBA, but were also the worst three point shooting team. If they continue to be outrebounded, they stand no chance of winning this series, let alone any games in the series going forward. They must shore up their rebounding if they stand any chance in Game 2, especially since they will likely not outshoot the Rockets percentage wise from 3 again, and Andre Roberson won’t make 4-6 threes in a single game going forward.