OKC overcomes 16-point fourth-quarter deficit to top reeling Rockets

The Thunder trailed 87-71 after three quarters but used a 13-0 run to cut the deficit to two with just over four minutes to play.

Double-digit comebacks are becoming standard for the Oklahoma City Thunder as on Monday, OKC rallied from a 16-point fourth-quarter deficit to top the reeling Rockets, 112-107.

Houston’s largest lead came at 81-64 with 3:38 left in the third quarter.

But Oklahoma City outscored the Rockets 41-20 in the final frame, sparked by a 9-2 run that got them within nine points with 9 ½ minutes to play.

From there, the Thunder scored 13 straight points to cut the deficit to two at 100-98 with 4 ½ to go in regulation. OKC capped the game with a 6-0 that gave them a 108-105 lead with just over a minute left, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made two free throws to seal the victory.

Chris Paul led the Thunder with 28 points, 27 of which came in the first half.

Dennis Schroder picked up the slack in the second half, scoring 17 of his 23 in the final two quarters.

Both Danilo Gallinari and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander were also in double-digits, with 28 and 13, respectively.

Russell Westbrook scored a game-high 32 as part of a triple-double, adding 12 assists, and 11 rebounds. He now has a triple-double against all 30 teams in the league.

Maddie Lee of The Oklahoman pointed out that, according to the Thunder, Monday was just the third time in franchise history that OKC has overcome a 16-point plus fourth-quarter deficit.

The 17-points are Oklahoma City’s 4th biggest comeback this year.

Oklahoma City will stay on the road and will travel to Orlando to face the Magic on Wednesday.