The NBA Playoffs are still waiting for the results of one series in the first round. That is the four-five matchup in the West between the Houston Rockets and Oklahoma City Thunder. The Rockets stormed to an early 2-0 series lead before the Thunder bounced back with consecutive wins. Game 5 went to Houston and marked the return of Russell Westbrook.
Westbrook almost single-handedly cost the Rockets game 6, with costly turnovers and poor shots. The Thunder are within a game of continuing their unlikely season and end the Houston small-ball experiment in year one. They may have added help, with Russell Westbrook being on a minute’s restriction for game seven.
What this means is that the Thunder will have to deal with James Harden as the prime offensive option. The Rockets have won three games in the series by relying on Harden, so that is never a bad strategy. But this Thunder team looks extremely fluid on the court and has just as good a chance of pulling out another win. How do these teams match up for the seventh game?
Westbrook says he will be on a minutes restriction for game 7
— Taylor Rooks (@TaylorRooks) September 1, 2020
NBA Playoffs: Is the dream ride over for OKC?
Westbrook’s minutes’ restriction could be a blessing in disguise for the Rockets. Harden is clearly the best player on the court, so he should be running the offense. There is no reason to pass up on one of the greatest offensive players in history as the leader in your attack. While Luguentz Dort is capable of stopping Harden, there are more odds towards Harden continuing to succeed.
The Thunder have a great four-man guard rotation. They are getting 64.7 points each game from just Chris Paul, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Dennis Schroeder, and Luguentz Dort. The only massive flaw they have offensively is their inconsistent three-point shot. The Rockets live outside the perimeter, and three points are always more valuable than just two.
The Thunder’s even distribution means that their core is in a better position fitness-wise compared to James Harden. Harden has played 36 minutes a game these playoffs and carried an enormous offensive load. Does he have enough left it in him to lead this team to a Game 7 victory? Especially considering Westbrook’s time on the court will be limited.
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