Thunder-Snapped: OKC Repays the Favor, Snaps Houston’s Win Streak, Blowout Rockets, 104-87
Needing Johnny. Oh No Dipo. Singing the Blues.
As expected, the Rockets regressed to the mean after their record-shooting night on Monday, and without John Wall, had their six-game winning streak snapped in OKC. The Thunder won this one handily, 104-87, giving the Rockets a taste of their own medicine, with Houston never in reach, this game was uglier than the final score states. Houston trailed by 23 going into the final period, and without Wall to lead the way, and Oladipo, struggling (for other reasons I’ll touch on in a moment), the Rockets had no hopes without the shots not falling on Wednesday night.
The Rockets are now 8-4 when John Wall suits up, and only 2-6 when he doesn’t play. Houston needed thier most valuable Wall on Wednesday. Despite not having their best player, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder won from start to finish. It just shows it really is difficult to beat the same team twice in a row, regardless of who’s on the court. The familiarity leads to adjustments, which leads to closer rematches, with often a different result. Houston’s split both their mini-series this season, 1-1, first in San Antonio, and now in OKC.
Eric Gordon, the only Rocket who played up to par, led the way for Houston with 22 points. Victor Oladipo only managed to score 19 on a night where the Rockets really could’ve used a performance similar to his Houston debut. And now, the trade rumors are swirling. After just one loss, Victor Oladipo and P.J. Tucker have been in trade talks recently, according to sources close with the team. I wish they would let this group gel. Despite the poor Wednesday night, the Rockets are still 7-4 since the trade, as opposed to 3-6 before. Allow this team time to get synchronized on the same level, and the Rockets can definitely contend in the West. But if they trade Victor Oladipo, and P.J. Tucker, they have no chance. Maybe if they trade Oladipo and get a valuable player in return. But if you trade the heart and soul of the Rockets, especially their defense, the side they struggle most with… you’re basically tanking.
There’s no time to sing the blues, as Houston gets right back in action on Thursday night in Memphis, facing off against the Grizzlies. Memphis is led by stud sophomore Ja Morant, off to his best season, proving he’ll be one of the best point guards in the league for years to come. The Rockets have to tune out the trade drama whirling around the squad once again. John Wall returns on Thursday, and hopefully he can steer the Rockets to an impressive road victory in Memphis on the second night of a back-to-back… I’m expecting it.