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The Rockets finally break the losing skid and get in the win column with a 110-105 defeat of the Thunder. It was a good win for a team that was really struggling to open the season. The Rockets got contributions across the board including getting 37 points from James Harden, who had been struggling the most.
The Rockets overcame an 11 point hole at the half to come back and beat a fully healthy Thunder. Out of halftime, the Rockets outscored the Thunder 28 to 14 in the third quarter. The Rockets momentum gained in the third carried them to their first win.
Here are my three takeaways
Welcome to Houston Ty Lawson
Lawson recorded the first of what will be many more double-doubles to come. Lawson finished the game 14 points, 11 assists, 4 steals and 4 turnovers.
There were still times when you could see that someone was not ready for a Lawson pass but more often than not, Lawson would find a guy in stride and deliver a beautiful pass. The Lawson and Corey Brewer combo seems to be something that will be a thing of beauty.
Postgame, Lawson said he was more aggressive against the Thunder than in the first three games.
Turnovers, turnovers and more turnovers
The Thunder had 24 turnovers including 12 from superstars Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. Now the mainstream media will tell you that the Thunder were careless with the ball, don't believe that.
The Rockets had their hands in the passing lanes, intercepted a bunch of passes and caused many of the Thunder turnovers. In the third quarter, the Rockets were the most aggressive getting seven of their 18 steals.
Marcus Thornton is a starter in the NBA?
This isn't meant to be a dig at Thornton, but seriously. Come on now.
Thornton in back-to-back games is putting in 16.5 points and is getting some serious game time. Thornton in the win over the Thunder played the second-most minutes on the team.
The Rockets are super small with Thornton starting in place of Terrence Jones, but it's working. Thornton provides the team spacing, a fourth player who can shoot the three and get to the rim. With Thornton the Rockets have more room for Harden and Lawson to operate.