Oklahoma bring the Thunder as the Rockets are silenced.
The Oklahoma City Thunder powered their way past the Houston Rockets on Sunday night, securing a 120-91 win in Game 1 of their opening round play-off series.
Having led by as many as 35 at one stage, Kevin Durant led the way with 24 points, while Russell Westbrook fell just short of a triple double with 19 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds.
Serge Ibaka added 17 points, seven rebounds and three blocks while Kevin Martin came off the bench to drop 16 points in a comprehensive win for the home team.
Fears prior to the game surrounded the return of James Harden to the Chesapeake Energy Arena, but he followed up a disappointing regular season performance against his old team with another on Sunday.
Despite going for 20 points, it took him 19 shots to get there as he averages just 18.5 points on 9-for-35 shooting against the team he rose to prominence with last season. Adding further disappointment to the opening performance, Harden was the only starter to register double scoring figures.
Thunder coach Scott Brooks was pleased with his team’s defensive effort, and recognised that their effort against the Houston offense was significant in allowing them to secure such a comfortable win.
Houston will have plenty to think about ahead of Game 2 in Oklahoma City on Wednesday night, as the reigning Western Conference champions have started strongly.
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