What it takes for Thunder to upset Rockets
The Houston Rockets were supposed to fall flat on their face.
No Yao Ming, out for the season with an injury. No Tracy McGrady, once again hampered by injuries. No Ron Artest, now playing for the Lakers.
No problem.
The Rockets have played well their first five games, highlighted by a road win at Utah.
Houston’s secret? No stars but a solid group. Most likely the smallest team in the league with the 6-foot-6 Chuck Hayes playing center, the Rockets are gritty. They’re also more up tempo this season.
For the Thunder to post an upset the biggest key is to not get buried by 3-pointers like they did in a lopsided preseason loss.
Houston is averaging 22 3-point attempts a game, making 9.20 treys a game, the fourth highest total in the league.
Similar to the Thunder’s first two games — both wins — Oklahoma City actually has a size edge inside, which sometimes can be a problem (see Portland, Lakers).
Continue to play good defense, limit the Rockets’ 3-pointers, and finally have a breakout offensive game, and the Thunder can go back above .500 with a win. Get buried by 3-pointers and Oklahoma City will lose its third straight game and fall below .500.
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