Get Tonight the Thunder host the Rockets for the first time this season which means it’s the first time Russell Westbrook returns to the place he spent the first 11 years of his career. It’s going to be an exciting game. The fans will all be excited to welcome Russ back and the atmosphere in the arena will be like a finals game. Here are the keys for a Thunder victory.
1. DEFEND THE 3 POINT LINE
The Rockets take and hit the most 3s per game. Percentage wise, they’re 19th. With a team like the Rockets, the percentage doesn’t matter to them. The philosophy is the more you take, the more you’ll hit and that’s exactly how they play. Although the are 19th in 3 point percentage, they’re very capable of hitting them at a high percentage. There’s a saying that says “live by the 3, die by the 3” and that’s the epitome of this Rockets team. If the thunder can keep them from hitting so many they will certainly win.
2. LIMIT TURNOVERS
The Rockets are 5th in points off of turnovers so limiting turnovers would hurt part of their offense. The Thunder have to make sure they protect the ball in order to limit the amount of possessions the Rockets get. This hasn’t been much of an issue for the Thunder this year but the Rockets are a weird team that isn’t that great at defense but knows how to create turnovers.
3. REBOUND, REBOUND, REBOUND
The rebounding battle between Steven Adams and Clint Capela is going to be very important. Both guys are two of the best offensive rebounders in the league. Unlike the Thunder however, the Rockets are a good rebounding team we a whole. The addition of Russ makes them even better. Thunder can’t be lazy and give up a lot of rebounds. The effort will be needed tonight.
This will be one of the most memorable Thunder games in the history of the franchise. Russ has meant so much to the team, fans, and state. It’s going to be an emotional game for everyone involved. The standing ovation he will get will be one of the longest and loudest ovations anyone has ever received. In games where guys return to play in front of the crowd they played in front of for a while, their teammates try to get that guy going so he can put on a show. I expect nothing less than that tonight. Russ will be rested so he’s going to be ready to deliver a great performance. The best player in the franchises history returns and it’s going to be great.
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