Harden has 37 points, Rockets rout Thunder, Westbrook 118-87

For sixth-seeded Oklahoma City it will be much of the same, as the Thunder will look to Westbrook to win ball games.

The first round stage is now officially set, and Thunder/Rockets has a full four-game schedule to plan on.

Rockets superstar James Harden, though, was on the floor for the game’s final minutes, pursuing a triple-double and perhaps making one last case for himself in a battle with Oklahoma City’s Russell Westbrook for league MVP. If you take both Harden and Westbrook off their respective teams, The Thunder would achieve less than 20 wins, no disrespect to the players the Thunder have, but there is no one on the roster that can carry them like Westbrook has done all year. He averaged 29.1 points per game, to go along with 11.2 assists and 8.1 rebounds. Regardless, Harden has had an awesome year. Harden just makes life easier for the Rockets and is the reason some think Houston could dethrone Golden State in the playoffs. “He brings it every game”.

The best-of-seven Western Conference series continues Wednesday night in Houston. Harden one way or another should keep the Rockets offense humming along. The MVP award is going to be between these two players, and it should be because of the outstanding season they have produced. But they have a good coach and an underrated supporting cast, one that will make Houston risky in the playoffs.

“It was a team effort in just trying to show him a lot of bodies”, he said.

One of the Thunder’s biggest weaknesses this season has been their performances against teams who are in the bottom half of each respective conference. Thunder vs. Rockets. The voting for the MVP honor ends tomorrow, so the playoff matchup will have no effect on the balloting. Lou Williams scored the first four points in that span, and Beverley found Clint Capela on an alley-oop dunk. Averaging 14.1 points per game and 12.8 rebounds per game, Gobert has turned into an automatic double-double machine as well as the best rim protector in the league. He conceded to Kevin Durant early on, focusing on getting his new teammate comfortable.

Thunder coach Billy Donovan raved about Beverley.

“I feel better and I’ve made good progress, but we still haven’t decided if I’m going to play”, Nurkic said. “That’s where he really did a great job”. He’s had a historic season, and is leading the Bucks into the playoffs with the most hope in many years. Yes, D’Antoni will win Coach of the Year. He was seen shooting during warmups for the past two regular-season games, and he’s walking with no apparent limp.

The Rockets led 59-54 at halftime.

Roberson fouled Trevor Ariza who made both free throws and Anthony Morrow missed from downtown with 2.9 seconds remaining, which would have tied the contest. Oklahoma City, which led the National Basketball Association in rebounding in the regular season, was outrebounded 56-41. Kris Dunn had 10 points with 16 assists. When he was asked about winning his second scoring title in three years, he hesitated, then simply replied: “Next question”. The Thunder rank #16 in points allowed per game and #10 in defensive rating, while Houston ranks #26 in points allowed per game and #18 in defensive rating.

Steven Adams ended the season in a rut, converting just 46.2 percent of his shots from the field in April.