In the first two games of the series, the Thunder had a hard time to score the ball, however their defense falling apart was the biggest issue. The Thunder had a hard time in the first two video games, losing by double digits in Games 1 and 2 to fall behind 2-0. Thats not very many, and it reveals difficult the Thunders job is over the next 3 or four games. Against the Thunder in Game 3, he was one of the few Houston gamers to reveal up on the offending end, going for 22 points on 8-for-13 from the field and 5-for-8 from 3-point land. Frequently playing as the 5 in Houstons extra-small-ball attack, Green creates some genuine matchup problems for the Thunder on the defensive end, particularly if Steven Adams is in the video game.
The Oklahoma City Thunder are still alive. After double digit losses in Games 1 and 2 of their first-round series against the Houston Rockets, the Thunder bounced back in Game 3 with a wild 119-107 win in overtime to make the series 2-1..
In the very first two video games of the series, the Thunder struggled to score the ball, however their defense falling apart was the most significant issue. They stepped up on both ends of the floor in Game 3, getting to the totally free throw line to provide their sputtering offense an increase, and holding the Rockets to 30 percent from 3-point land. Dennis Schroder opted for 29 points off the bench, while Chris Paul ended up with 26 points, six rebounds and five helps..
Houston was once again without Russell Westbrook due to a quad injury, however still had a terrific opportunity to go up 3-0. Harden ended up with 38 in a strong performance, but Jeff Green was the just other Rocket to have a solid offending day.
Here are some crucial takeaways from the video game:.
Thunder offer themselves a chance.
The Thunder had a bumpy ride in the first 2 video games, losing by double digits in Games 1 and 2 to fall behind 2-0. After those two outcomes, what was anticipated to be one of the most competitive first-round series was all of a sudden appearing like it could be a sweep. Oklahoma City made sure that didnt take place, coming through in the clutch to protect the win and give themselves a chance in this series.
Given that just 21 groups have actually come back from a 2-0 deficit in a seven game series, the most recent being the Toronto Raptors last season in the Eastern Conference finals. Thats not many, and it shows difficult the Thunders task is over the next three or 4 video games. But no group in NBA history has actually ever returned from a 3-0 deficit..
If they lost this video game, they might as well have actually evacuated and left the bubble. It wasnt quite, however credit to them for grinding this win out with some big plays down the stretch and in overtime..
Schroder shows why he may win Sixth Man of the Year.
When Dennis Schroder was traded to the Thunder, he needed to adjust to life as a 6th guy. His first season backing up Russell Westbrook was solid, but he truly removed this season. He set up 18.9 points, 4 helps and 3.6 rebounds per video game, while shooting a career-high 38.5 percent from 3-point land..
His play off the bench, and alongside Paul and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the Thunders dominant three-guard lineups, made him a leading prospect for Sixth Man of the Year. That award hasnt been announced simply yet, however Schroder is one of the 3 finalists, and on Saturday he sent further proof why thats the case..
He went for 29 points in the video game, tying his career-high for points in any game, let alone the postseason, and added five rebounds, five helps and two steals. And though he didnt score in overtime, he was substantial in the 4th quarter, scoring 10 points in that frame, including a big 3-pointer with simply over a minute delegated cut the deficit to 2 points..
Theres no possibility the Thunder win this video game without Schroder stepping up..
How about Jeff Green?
The Rockets didnt get the win in Game 3, however it certainly wasnt Jeff Greens fault. The oft-maligned swingman is on his 8th group in five years, however he may not have to move again if he keeps playing like this. He was in double figures in 7 of the 8 seeding games, and has actually been remarkable in the playoffs up until now..
Against the Thunder in Game 3, he was one of the couple of Houston players to reveal up on the offensive end, choosing 22 points on 8-for-13 from the field and 5-for-8 from 3-point land. He likewise added 7 rebounds, three assists, a take and 2 blocks. The only Rocket with more points in this one was James Harden, and Greens hot shooting was one of the main reasons they even had a lead at all.
For the series, Green is now averaging 19.7 points and 6.7 rebounds, while shooting a stellar 52.4 percent from behind the arc. In the three video games, the Rockets are plus-46 with him on the floor. Frequently playing as the 5 in Houstons extra-small-ball attack, Green develops some real matchup issues for the Thunder on the protective end, specifically if Steven Adams is in the game.
Obviously the concern with Green has constantly been consistency, so he might go cold at any minute. He should have a lot of credit for what hes bringing to this Rockets team right now. His offensive production has been massive with Westbrook out..
