Orlando, USA – The NBA resumed operations as the Houston Rockets limited the Oklahoma City Thunder to just 80 points and take a 3-2 advantage in their best-of-seven series.
The Rockets outscored the Thunder in the third quarter 37-18 and even held their opponents to 17 points to secure a dominating victory, 114-80.
James Harden led the charge with 31 points, five assists and four three-pointers as he also shot an accurate 11-of-15 from the field. Ryan Covington followed through with 22 points, seven rebounds, three steals and six threes while Eric Gordon contributed 20 points as well.
This was Russell Westbrook’s first appearance in the NBA playoffs wearing a Rockets uniform. He is still shaking the rust from the injury as he only did 7 points from 3-of-13 shooting but contributed seven assists and six rebounds.
On the other end, Dennis Shcroder led the Thunder with 19 points while Chris Paul had 16. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Danilo Gallinari combined for only 5 points for this game.
The Thunder have their backs agaisnt the wall and it is a win-or-go-home situation for them in Game 6 that will be played on Monday, August 31.
The Scores:
Rockets (114) – Harden 31, Covington 22, Gordon 20, Green 9, House 7, Westbrook 7, Rivers 5, Tucker 5, Frazier 3, McLemore 3, Carroll 2, Clemons 0.
Thunder (80) – Schroder 19, Paul 16, Adams 12, Bazley 10, Diallo 6, Dort 6,, Gilgeous-Alexander 4, Nader 4, Noel 2, Gallinari 1, Ferguson 0, Muscala 0.
Quarterscores: 24-14, 48-45, 85-63, 114-80.
