1 week Ago By By CLIFF BRUNT - AP Sports Writer
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren each scored 29 points to help the Oklahoma City Thunder rout the Houston Rockets 126-107 on Friday night. Oklahoma City opened a six-game homestand with a victory after losing at Denver on Wednesday night for its first defeat of the season. Gilgeous-Alexander made 10 of his first 11 field goals and didn't take a 3-pointer until his 13th shot.
It went in to give the Thunder a 96-73 lead in the third quarter. Holmgren made 8 of 14 field goals, including 4 of 6 3-pointers, for the Thunder (8-1). Oklahoma City pulled away from a game that was tied 31-all at the end of the first quarter.
The Thunder had been inconsistent on offense so far this season, but they figured things out in this game. They shot 51.1% from the field and made 20 of 23 free throws.
Dillon Brooks scored 17 points for the Rockets (5-4), who shot just 43.3% from the field. Rockets: The Thunder showed why they lead the league in defensive rating when they shut down Houston's top two scorers, Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun.
Green scored 14 points on 5-for-14 shooting and Sengun had 11 points on 3-for-12 shooting. Thunder: Oklahoma City's depth and versatility were too much for the Rockets. Holmgren, in particular, was a problem on both ends.
The 7-footer had three blocks and constantly affected Houston's shots near the rim. The game was tied at 31 early in the second quarter when Oklahoma City's Aaron Wiggins hit a 3-pointer. The Thunder dominated from there, outscoring the Rockets 41-20 the rest of the period to take a 75-51 lead at halftime.
It was a season-high point total for a half. The Thunder shot 61.9% from the field and 52.
9% from 3-point range in the first half. The Rockets visit Detroit on Sunday. The Thunder host Golden State on Sunday night.
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