rich 888 NBA: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren help Thunder rout Rockets

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, right, drives against Houston Rockets forward Amen Thompson (1) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Nov. 8, 2024, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)

OKLAHOMA CITY — 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 in the NBA.

Oklahoma City opened a six-game homestand with a victory after losing at Denver on Wednesday night for its first defeat of the season.

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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.

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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.

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Dillon Brooks scored 17 points for the Rockets (5-4), who shot just 43.3% from the field.

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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.

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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.

READ: NBA: Thunder extend perfect start with win over Clippers Key moment

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.

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The Thunder shot 61.9% from the field and 52.9% from 3-point range in the first half.

Up next

The Rockets visit Detroit on Sunday. The Thunder host Golden State on Sunday night.

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