Rockets Defeat Thunder, 113-109, Take 3-1 Series Lead

The Houston Rockets defeated the host Oklahoma City Thunder, 113-109, in Game 4
of the Western Conference first-round playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena on
Sunday. Despite there being just five ties and six lead changes in this game, it
was close throughout. In fact, it was a single-digit margin for the final 20
minutes with an extremely hectic finish. That’s evident by the fact that there
were nine combined steals and fouls in the final 90 seconds. The key for the
Rockets was bench production, as they got 64 points and 25 rebounds from their
three bench players, while the Thunder’s five bench players combined for just 22
points and nine rebounds. Free-throw shooting was also huge, with Houston
hitting 28-of-33 and Oklahoma City going just 18-of-32 from the charity stripe.
The Rockets (3-1) now have a commanding 3-1 series lead, as they are headed back
home to try to end this series. Nene Hilario was the player of the game, as he
provided 28 points and 10 rebounds on a perfect 12-of-12 shooting off the bench.
Eric Gordon and Lou Williams were also spectacular off the bench, scoring 18
points a piece, while combing for 15 rebounds. James Harden collected 16 points,
seven rebounds and eight assists, but committed seven turnovers on 5-of-16 from
the field. Trevor Ariza totaled 14 points, five rebounds, three assists and
three steals. The Thunder (1-3) needed this win desperately with a 2-1 series
deficit, but fell just shy in their home building. Russell Westbrook recorded
another triple-double though, accumulating 35 points, 14 rebounds, 14 assists
and three steals. Steven Adams amassed 18 points, seven rebounds, two assists
and three blocks on 8-of-10 shooting. Victor Oladipo finished with 15 points,
four rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks. Andre Roberson went just
2-of-12 from the free-throw line, but still accrued 13 points, four rebounds,
two steals and five blocks. Game 5 will be in Houston on Tuesday.