Rockets rout Thunder 116-89 behind Bogdanovic’s 15 points

A Third-Quarter Surge Seals the Deal

The Houston Rockets turned a competitive first half into a decisive statement on their home floor Thursday, defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder 116-89 at the Toyota Center. While the game remained relatively tight through two quarters, Houston’s offense exploded in the third period to pull away for good, securing a dominant 27-point victory.

The Rockets opened the contest with defensive intensity, holding the Thunder to just 15 points in the opening frame while scoring 33. Amen Thompson set the tone early with multiple dunks, and Tari Eason added splash from beyond the arc. The Thunder began to chip away in the second quarter, cutting the deficit before halftime behind strong performances from Jalen Williams and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

By the break, Houston held a 46-34 lead, but the game’s momentum shifted dramatically after the interval.

Bogdanovic Leads Offensive Explosion

The third quarter proved to be the turning point. Bogdan Bogdanovic emerged as the primary offensive catalyst for Houston, pouring in 15 points to lead all scorers. His scoring burst, combined with efficient play from the rest of the roster, erased any remaining hope of a Thunder comeback.

Fred VanVleet orchestrated the offense effectively, recording eight assists to facilitate the team’s ball movement and create open looks for his teammates.

Alperen Sengun contributed significantly on the glass, pulling down seven rebounds to help control the pace. The Rockets’ bench also provided crucial support, with Alperen Sengun adding key buckets and Rebbe Sheppard hitting long-range shots. The Thunder struggled to contain Houston’s versatile attack, allowing the Rockets to build an insurmountable lead.

Thunder Struggle to Find Rhythm

For Oklahoma City, Jalen Williams was the top performer with 18 points, but he lacked sufficient support to keep pace with Houston’s balanced scoring. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander facilitated the offense with three assists, while Aday Mara grabbed nine rebounds, but the Thunder’s defense could not stop the Rockets’ third-quarter surge.

The fourth quarter saw Houston continue to add to their lead, with Bogdan Bogdanovic hitting several crucial shots from distance. The final score of 116-89 reflected a comprehensive team effort by the Rockets, who outscored the Thunder 37-20 in the final period. The victory improves Houston’s record to 2-1 on the season, while the Thunder fall to 1-4.

Sources

ESPN