Introduction
The Houston Rockets vs OKC Thunder match player stats tell the story of an intense showdown, culminating in a dominant second-half comeback by the Oklahoma City Thunder. The match saw Shai Gilgeous-Alexander take over the game after halftime, leading his team to a 111-96 victory and a coveted spot in the NBA Cup Final 2025 against the Milwaukee Bucks. This article provides a detailed breakdown of player performances, game-changing moments, and key stats that defined this electrifying contest.
Match Summary and Key Highlights
Final Score
- Oklahoma City Thunder: 111
- Houston Rockets: 96
The Thunder overcame a sluggish start, turning the game around in the latter half, thanks to outstanding performances from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Isaiah Hartenstein, and Jalen Williams.
First-Half Struggles for OKC
The opening quarters were marked by strong defensive play from the Houston Rockets, who effectively stifled Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s offensive efforts. OKC struggled to find a rhythm as Houston capitalized on turnovers and fast-break points.
Houston Rockets Take Early Lead
Houston’s Amen Thompson stepped up with an impressive showing off the bench, scoring 19 points and keeping the Thunder on the back foot. The Rockets played with intensity, maintaining an early lead.
Second-Half Turnaround by OKC
After halftime, the Thunder returned with renewed energy. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander caught fire, racking up 24 second-half points. With aggressive drives, mid-range excellence, and efficient playmaking, he led OKC’s comeback. Defensive adjustments by OKC also played a key role, limiting Houston’s effectiveness.
Key Player Performances
Oklahoma City Thunder Player Stats
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Steals |
| Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | 32 | 5 | 7 | 2 |
| Isaiah Hartenstein | 21 | 10 | 3 | 1 |
| Jalen Williams | 20 | 4 | 5 | 3 |
| Cason Wallace | 9 | 3 | 4 | 1 |
| Josh Giddey | 8 | 6 | 6 | 1 |
Houston Rockets Player Stats
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Steals |
| Amen Thompson | 19 | 7 | 5 | 2 |
| Fred VanVleet | 16 | 3 | 8 | 1 |
| Jalen Green | 14 | 4 | 6 | 2 |
| Alperen Sengun | 12 | 9 | 2 | 0 |
| Dillon Brooks | 11 | 5 | 3 | 1 |
Tactical Breakdown
Why OKC Thunder Won the Game
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Leadership: His ability to take control in crucial moments made the difference.
- Defensive Intensity: Adjustments after halftime resulted in nine forced turnovers in the second half.
- Efficient Shooting: OKC improved to 54% field goal percentage in the second half, sealing the win.
Where Houston Rockets Fell Short
- Second-Half Collapse: The team lost momentum and struggled against OKC’s defensive schemes.
- Turnovers: Unforced errors led to easy points for the Thunder.
- Inconsistent Shooting: Their field goal percentage dipped below 40% in the fourth quarter.
Key Moments That Defined the Game
1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Clutch Performance
With the game slipping away, SGA took over, scoring crucial buckets and setting up teammates for high-percentage shots.
2. Isaiah Hartenstein’s Inside Dominance
Hartenstein’s 21 points and 10 rebounds provided much-needed stability in the paint, neutralizing Houston’s interior defense.
3. Defensive Stand by OKC
In the fourth quarter, the Thunder locked down the Rockets, allowing just 18 points, sealing their victory.
Post-Match Reactions
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on the Win
“We stayed patient and trusted our game plan. Our defense in the second half gave us the edge.”
Rockets Coach Ime Udoka on the Loss
“We played a solid first half, but our execution wasn’t there after halftime. Credit to OKC for making adjustments.”
What’s Next for OKC Thunder and Houston Rockets?
Oklahoma City Thunder
The OKC Thunder now advance to the NBA Cup Final 2025, where they will take on the Milwaukee Bucks on December 17 in Las Vegas.
Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets will look to regroup in their upcoming regular-season matchups, focusing on consistency and execution.
Conclusion
The Houston Rockets vs OKC Thunder match player stats highlight a thrilling contest that saw Shai Gilgeous-Alexander lead his team to victory with an exceptional second-half display. The Thunder’s defensive adjustments and offensive efficiency in the final quarters played a significant role in securing the win. As OKC prepares for their NBA Cup Final clash against the Bucks, the Rockets will have to learn from this loss and improve their execution moving forward.
Stay tuned for more NBA updates, match analysis, and in-depth player stats from the latest basketball action!
