It’s almost a must-win situation for the Oklahoma City Thunder when they return home to host Game 3 of their NBA first round Playoffs series against the Houston Rockets. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage of the match from 11:30am (AEST).
The Rockets, who took third seed in the tough Western Conference have made no mistakes to start their charge at a championship, taking both games at home.
While neither saw the exciting Houston club play at their best, they did more than enough, particularly in Game 1, to keep Russell Westbrook quiet and take victory.
Game 1 was almost a fizzer given the lofty expectation riding on the series before it got underway. Westbrook struggled to get his side into the game and while he still top-scored, the Thunder were blown out by 31.
James Harden was dominant for the Rockets, but the amount of support he had from teammates was evident and could prove to be the difference going forward. That support was led by point guard Patrick Beverley who winded up with 15 points, six rebounds and four assists.
The Thunder had to turn things around in Game 2, and to a large extent, they did. However, with only Westbrook to provide the go forward both in the contest and on the scoreboard, they were always facing an uphill battle.
The game was a little more of what was expected from the series, with the Rockets nudging out a 115-111 victory. Points and attack was the order of the day for both clubs, with Westbrook putting up a 50-point triple-double – the first in finals history.
While it has been quite rightly celebrated, the numbers its made up of might show a part of the Thunder’s problem. He shot just 17 of 43 from the field, which is simply not good enough, particularly when you consider Houston are rebounding out of their skin so far in the series.
It’s rebounding where the Thunder were supposed to have an edge, and they haven’t so far. It’s hurting them on the scoreboard, and with all the second chance points, Harden and the fast-running Rockets are making them pay.
While the Thunder got close in Game 2, the men from Oklahoma City are going to need to do more here if they want to stay in the series. Others should lift being at home to support Westbrook, but whether it’s enough to stop Harden, who should take over on the road is another question.
Prediction
It’s all going to depend on Westbrook. The Thunder aren’t going to get swept out of the playoffs though, and he should do enough to get them over the line and on the scoreboard here.
Thunder by 5.
Be sure to join The Roar for live coverage of the match from 11:30am (AEST) and don’t forget to add your own comments throughout the course of the coverage.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Thanks for joining me this afternoon for The Roar's live coverage of the 2017 NBA Playoffs as the Oklahoma City Thunder got themselves back into the series with a Game 3 victory over the Houston Rockets. Hopefully you enjoyed the call. The playoffs will roll on and The Roar will have more live coverage in the coming days and weeks, so be sure to keep and eye out. I'll be live tonight for NRL action between the Cronulla Sharks and Gold Coast Titans from 7:30pm (AEST). Bye for now.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Quick check in from Salt Lake City and it's the Jazz up by 5 with 9:30 to play in the fourth.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Thoughts on the game Roarers?
Scott Pryde
Expert
Well, the Thunder get into the series then. It's Houston up 2-1 as the Thunder pick up a tough two-point win.
Scott Pryde
Expert
FULLTIME Westbrook makes one, misses the second. Time running out, Houston ignore the time out and Harden shoots for the miracle three, but it misses. It was a good enough look, but it didn't fall and the Thunder get on the scoreboard in the series. Okahoma City Thunder - 115 Houston Rockets - 113
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 0' Thunder advance the ball to the front court for the inbound. Quick foul as Gordon shoves Westbrook and he will go to the line with 8.4 seconds on the clock. Thunder - 114 Rockets - 113
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 0' Harden good on both. Thunder up 1 and they call time out. Thunder - 114 Rockets - 113
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 0' Quick foul now and it's Harden who will walk the floor to the line. Smart decision from the Thunder to prevent a three, but at the same time there is still 8.8 on the clock. Thunder - 114 Rockets - 112
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 0' MVP chant in the building, but Westbrook misses the first. Turns it around to make the second. Thunder - 114 Rockets - 111
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 0' Houston have the inbound then. 18.8 on the clock, just seven on the shot clock. They go into Harden and he fires the long range three but misses. Westbrook with the board and he is fouled by Beverley! 9.5 seconds on the clock and Beverley is fouled out Critical free throws now. Makes both and it's over. Thunder - 113 Rockets - 111
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 0' Westbrook misses a three from the wing here before Adams tips it back in for the put-back! Sloppy offensive play from the Rockets before Harden looks to use a pick and roll. He slips though, holds the ball and calls the time out from the floor. Thunder by 2 with 18 seconds to go! Thunder - 113 Rockets - 111
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 0' WE ARE TIED UP! JAMES HARDEN! Massive three from the wing. Thunder - 111 Rockets - 111
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 1' Westbrook makes one, misses the other. Thunder - 111 Rockets - 108
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 1' The Thunder down the court through Westbrook and he is happy to run the shot clock. Tough defence and his pass to Gibson draws the foul. Houston still had one to give, so no free throws - both teams the bonus now. From the inbound it's Westbrook driving, hitting Nene and he is pinged for the blocking foul. Westbrook to the line to shoot two. 1:06 on the clock. Thunder - 110 Rockets - 108
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 1' Harden ice cold and he makes all three. Thunder - 110 Rockets - 108
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 1' The Rockets with it and Harden on the ball. Both teams a foul to give, but Harden has drawn it straight away! He was behind the arc and shooting as well! Massive play by Harden, working around the screen from Nene. Thunder - 110 Rockets - 105
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 1' Westbrook! Massive shot from just inside the arc. Great ball movement to cause the defensive switch, and Westbrook uses the miss-match to convert. Lead 5 again and Houston call for another time out. 1:43 on the clock. Thunder - 110 Rockets - 105
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 2' Williams working on Robersoon and he drives, but then has to take it back out, finding Harden who misses a three. Williams with the board and he finds Harden who slams it home on the back door cut. Thunder - 108 Rockets - 105
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 2' Grant with a lovely drive in from the corner here and he converts on a very tough shot. Lead back to 5. Thunder - 108 Rockets - 103
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 2' Time out called, this time by Houston. Three-point game, 2:45 to play. Thunder - 106 Rockets - 103