Thunder Beat Rockets, 2-0 in Series

The Oklahoma City Thunder managed to survive a late game rally by the Houston Rockets to pick up their second win in this series, 105-102.  They now have a 2-0 lead in the series against the Rockets.

The Rockets seemed to buckle down in this game after getting blown out in Game 1 of the series by 29 points.  James Harden put up 36 points and was the top scorer of the game.  Harden contributed 12 points in the fourth as the Rockets rallied back from a 15 point deficit.  Harden also picked up 11 rebounds.  Chandler Parsons had 17 points and seven rebounds.  Rookie Patrick Beverly had 16 points, 12 rebounds and six assists. Despite all the effort it was still not enough to go over the Rockets squad.

“We were down 15 points and we could have just given up and gone on to Game 3 but we fought back so that gives us some confidence.”

Keven Durant and Russell Westbrook each scored 29 points.  Durant also dished out nine assists.  Serge Ibaka had a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds.  He also blocked six shots.  Thabo Sefolosha contributed 11 points and Kevin martin came off the bench to add 10 points.

The Thunder were able to survive the Rockets late surge thanks to Durant who blocked a driving lay up by Parsons with about three minuets left to play. He then hit a three that gave the Thunder the lead for the rest of the game.

“They threw that zone at us and I think it caught us off guard a little bit. We were passive against it at first then got more aggressive. We gotta go back and make adjustments for Game 3.”

Jeremy Lin left the game in the first half and did not return.  He had a bruised chest and his status for Game 3 is not known.

Game 3 is on Saturday with Houston playing at home.  While the point spreads have yet to be released on most sports books, you can predict that the Thunder will be the favorites regardless of the Rockets home court advantage.