Westbrook Returns to OKC, Rockets Face Thunder in Thursday Night Showdown
Energizer Bunny. Land of the Wise Men. Bearding Returns.
“I’ll be back.” Arnold Schwarzenegger’s famous line from The Terminator has been echoed in society since he first uttered the line in the classic film. And tonight, as the Rockets and Thunder meet in Oklahoma City, Russell Westbrook returns to the place he called home the first 11 years of his career before becoming a Rocket: Oklahoma City. Brodie’s back. Expect Houston’s energizer bunny to be bursting with enthusiasm, as he takes on his former team, looking to terminate OKC at all costs. Westbrook rested in Houston’s win over Atlanta last night, and hasn’t played in 5 days. Brodie should have more energy than he’s had all season. Westbrook needs to drive it to the rack, as rust may play a factor in his shooting tonight. James Harden had an off-shooting night in Atlanta as rust played a factor in his shot. Expect the Beard to be more accurate tonight, as Harden returns to his former franchise, it’s just been so long, sometimes one forgets the Beard started his career in Oklahoma City.
The Thunder, meanwhile, are having a much better season than many expected. OKC currently has a record of 21-16, good for seventh place out West. Led by former-Rocket Chris Paul, who was traded for Westbrook, the Thunder have been rolling of late. Winners of 10 of their last 12 games, Oklahoma City has been one of the best teams in the clutch all season. The Thunder are coming off an overtime win over the Nets in their previous game, with Chris Paul looking like prime CP3 in the clutch moments of games. Veteran Steven Adams is having another solid season for the Thunder, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has emerged as a player with All-Star caliber potential. OKC have rose up the standings over the last few weeks, showing they’ll probably be in the playoff mix come April.
Tonight’s matchup will be Houston’s toughest until they host the Lakers next Saturday. The Rockets have played well against the better teams, and (as evidenced last night in Atlanta) have struggled to take inferior teams seriously. Expect playoff-like atmosphere in OKC tonight, as emotions will be running high in Brodie’s return to the Chesapeake Energy Arena. Harden should have a better shooting performance than last night. With all the focus on Westbrook, don’t be surprised if the Beard steals the show in the national spotlight. The Thunder have circled this game on the calendar since the schedules were set. Oklahoma City wants nothing more than to beat their former beloved Westbook, and his new team, the despised Rockets. Especially Chris Paul, who might be older, but he’s having a stellar season.. showing he can still play at a high level. But CP3’s got high level competition coming into his house tonight. A house formerly owned by James Harden and Russell Westbrook. And they’re back. Back to wreak havoc in the place they used to call home… and quiet the Thunder’s storm.
Chesapeake Energy Arena: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Jersey Colors:
Houston Rockets (25-11): White
Oklahoma City Thunder (21-16): Navy
TV: 8:30 PM CT – TNT, AT&T Sportsnet SW