A lot has changed since the last time the Houston Rockets played the Oklahoma City Thunder on November 17. Since the 101-89 defeat to the Thunder, Houston has broken their season-long 15-game losing streak and has won back-to-back games for the first time this season to improve their record to 3-16.
“Swag,” said Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault about the change he has seen in the Rockets. “They are swagging out right now offensively. The last time we played this team they were in the midst of a long losing streak and you could feel that in the game. They have beaten two quality opponents and shot the ball well.”
Houston had a major change in their lineup once they got back home to free up more space for Christian Wood and Kevin Porter Jr. to work the pick-and-roll play to perfection. Both players have been playing very efficiently since Porter has returned from an injury that kept him out three games and head coach Stephen Silas moving Wood back to the center position.
“A lot of it is the point of attack with a guy like Porter,” said Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault when asked about stopping Wood and Porter. “He is an aggressive player and creator. If you don’t stop their first attack and you are not set, then you are going to be behind the ball the entire possession.”
Houston will also face the Thunder on Wednesday in the second game of a home-in-home series.