Thunder vs. Rockets final score: Thunder win easily behind Durant, 117-86
By Ben Beecken
Kevin Durant had another incredible night, putting up a line that included 33 points (11-17 FG, 3-5 3pt, 8-9 FT), 13 rebounds, and 5 assists in leading the Thunder to an impressive 117-86 victory over the Houston Rockets on Sunday evening in Oklahoma City.
The outcome of this game was never really in question, as the Thunder jumped out to a 26-14 lead by the end of the first frame, and maintained that 12-point lead at halftime. After outscoring the Rockets 34-26 in the third quarter, the Thunder pulled away late and buried the Dwight Howard and Co. in impressive fashion.
In Oklahoma City’s second game after learning that they would be without superstar point guard Russell Westbrook until after the All-Star Break (the first was a hard-fought, four-point road win over the Charlotte Bobcats), the Thunder left no doubt. Jeremy Lamb played the sidekick role, shooting 8 of 10 from the field while putting up 22 points and 5 assists off the bench. Reggie Jackson added 16 points, 8 assists, and zero turnovers in filling in as the starting point guard.
For the Rockets, it was an ugly game all around. Swingman Chandler Parsons was the only starter in double figures, managing to score 15 points on 5 of 12 shooting, while Howard scored just 9 points on 4 of 13 shooting and 1 of 7 from the free throw line while pulling down only 9 rebounds. Omri Casspi played 30 minutes off the bench and scored 15 points, as Aaron Brooks added 17 points in 23 minutes.
The Thunder solidified their standing as the best team in the rough and tumble Western Conference in improving their record to 25-5, while the Rockets fell to 21-12, including 8-8 away from the Toyota Center in Houston.