Geoff JohnsonThe Houston Rockets challenged the Thunder for moments in game one, but if they really want to fight this team they need to figure out a way to stay with OKC’s offensive rhythm the entire match. Game two of the series is this Wednesday at 7 PM ET.
“We didn’t have a rhythm as a team. I felt like it was basically one on five every time,” James Harden said about game one.
Kevin Durant scored 24, and Russell Westbrook added 19 in the first matchups; Harden scored 20 for Houston, but he never had a shot against his former teammates.
“It felt a little awkward just looking across there during the national anthem and seeing him with another team, but we’ve got to get past that. We’re competing against his team, and he wants to win so bad,” Durant said. “We know him personally, so we know how hard he competes, and he knows how hard we compete.”
Houston is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games overall, and 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma City.
Coach Kevin McHale thinks they ask James Harden to do too much, and just move the ball around to get the bets bucket.
“James, on this team, has to shoulder a ton of responsibilities for us, and he’s been great all year long,” McHale said. “He’s had an all-pro type of year. … He’ll play better, just like everybody.
Oklahoma City is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Houston.
