Opponent Breakdown
The Rockets are a different-looking team than the one that eliminated the Thunder in the 2020 Playoffs. Eight new faces appear on the roster along with a new head coach in Stephen Silas. In addition, the Rockets welcomed newcomers such as five-time All-Star John Wall and centers Christian Wood and DeMarcus Cousins to its lineup to play alongside returners like P.J. Tucker, 6th-man Eric Gordon and Harden.
For the Thunder, Houston’s 5-out style of play and high-volume shooting will be a test of its ability to maintain its defensive edge for a full 48 minutes.
“The main thing that we have to carry over against any team, but especially against a team like Houston, is just our competitive spirit,” said Coach Daigneault. “How hard we play and being a 48-minute team. That s going to give you the best chance every single night to put yourself in a position to be successful, regardless of the opponent but especially against a team that s as potent as Houston is
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With the goal in mind to use every single day as an opportunity to get better, the Thunder took advantage of the lessons and experiences it gained from its first matchup against Chicago on Wednesday and applied them in full force on Friday in its third and final preseason matchup.
Coming into Friday’s game, Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault challenged his group on the defensive end to be the aggressors and not allow Chicago to get them on their heels, specifically in transition. It was that exact attention to detail on the defensive end that was on display to keep the Bulls at a 26 percent clip from the 3-point line in Friday’s game. A disciplined performance from the Thunder’s starting lineup of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Darius Bazley, Al Horford, George Hill and Lu Dort set the tone from the very outset.