- 5 weeks ago
Category
🥇
SportsTranscript
00:00:00Продолжение следует...
00:00:30Through the lane, kicks it out, Wallace spot-up three, two strong, long rebound, Dort.
00:00:35Oklahoma City's getting to a lot of long offensive rebound opportunities, but Wiggins can't pay it off.
00:00:40They are just 30% for three, eight for 26.
00:00:45And Wiggins one of five, Shepard to the corner, Eason's missed from there a bunch.
00:00:50Not that time, he rattles it down.
00:00:52So you remember what Katie asked Reed Shepard in the first quarter?
00:00:55She said, how do you balance sort of getting your own and getting others?
00:00:58Well, that's a prime example of what she was trying to get to.
00:01:01Touch the paint, get below the free throw line, and make a play for a teammate.
00:01:05Wallace does a great job shielding the defender and scoring.
00:01:09After Houston had five quick points out of the timeout, Case and Wallace now 12 points, tying Holmgren for the team lead.
00:01:16And Hartenstein, ninth assist of the game.
00:01:21Duran on the deep catch, quick shot attempt, is good for Duran.
00:01:25I like that.
00:01:26Put him down by the post, right?
00:01:28Can't double him from down there, and he's got the elevation to shoot over Dort.
00:01:32Let's see if they go there again, Dave.
00:01:35Double figures now with ten, open three, got it!
00:01:37Aaron Wiggins with his second triple.
00:01:43And he may Udoka has come out of the floor.
00:01:46He's not happy with Reed Shepard, and we've seen that a lot this year as we've got a timeout on the court.
00:01:54Well, if you're giving up open threes, it's going to be frustrating, but let's watch Kevin Duran.
00:02:00If they're going to walk out of here, I think you're going to have to hear more from Kevin Duran.
00:02:05And this is what frustrated Ime Udoka.
00:02:08Wiggins, a very good look.
00:02:12Dave Pashto, Doris Burke, and Katie George in Oklahoma City.
00:02:15The Thunder lead the Houston Rockets 68-63.
00:02:18Oklahoma City has four offensive rebounds this quarter, which has led to a couple of made threes.
00:02:24They had four the entire first half against this Houston team, which leads the league in rebounding.
00:02:31That number will go down, though, with no Steven Adams out for the year with an ankle injury.
00:02:37Duran in the high post, doubled quickly, shot clock at three.
00:02:40Eason sees it, leans in, and there is Jabari Smith to clean up the garbage underneath.
00:02:47But, boy, do you see how aggressively they're playing Kevin Durant?
00:02:51Physicality early, double on the catch.
00:02:56Wallace again shields the defender beautifully and finishes with the offhand.
00:03:01He has one terrific game going right now, both sides of the floor.
00:03:06Last weekend, he had 27 points and a win at Denver at seven threes in that game.
00:03:13He's getting his work done tonight in the lane.
00:03:17Eason, another corner three, got it again.
00:03:20He's hit two in a row from that spot, back to a two-point game.
00:03:23Yeah, but you know what?
00:03:24You have to be more disciplined.
00:03:25Kenny Smith has had a really tough year shooting because he's not 100% yet.
00:03:29You bite on the ball fake and you give up an open three to a guy
00:03:33you don't want to give up corner threes to.
00:03:36Five threes now for Eason, 65 on the year.
00:03:40And a foul with eight on the shot clock against Davison.
00:03:44That is his second, third team foul.
00:03:46I make this sound like it's easy.
00:03:48The up fake by Dorian Finney-Smith got that defender initially reacting,
00:03:52which then leads to a scramble by Jalen to try to backdoor recover.
00:03:58But listen, Dorian Finney-Smith is like 20%.
00:04:01Let him have every three he wants until he starts to make some.
00:04:05Eason has now made three threes in the quarter.
00:04:07Williams hits the deck.
00:04:09Loose ball.
00:04:10Eason had it.
00:04:11And now Okoge comes out of there with it.
00:04:13Knocked three by Caruso.
00:04:15Out of bounds.
00:04:16It'll be Houston ball.
00:04:17Can you hear the crowd react to this guy?
00:04:19I mean, they are just so accustomed to the speed with which this guy makes plays.
00:04:25He's a dead sprint.
00:04:26And, folks, he makes that look easy.
00:04:29Like, that's eyes on the ball, discipline with the hands, and closing speed.
00:04:35All of it just elite.
00:04:37So great defensively in the postseason for the Thunder last year
00:04:41as he and Doran both hit the deck.
00:04:43Second season with the Thunder for Caruso, ninth in the NBA.
00:04:47Three with the Bulls, four with the Lakers.
00:04:51They're still booed Durant.
00:04:54Davison, good look at it.
00:04:56Got it.
00:04:57A three to give Houston the lead.
00:04:59And you see Kevin Durant, right?
00:05:01They're double-teaming.
00:05:02He will make the right play.
00:05:04So double-team comes over to the other side of the floor.
00:05:07Open shot.
00:05:09First lead since the opening quarter for Houston.
00:05:11Inside four minutes to go in the third.
00:05:13And a foul on Akogi.
00:05:18Fourth-team foul.
00:05:20Second personal.
00:05:21This is something.
00:05:22Listen, Houston has faced this all year.
00:05:24Double-team.
00:05:25Sprint over.
00:05:27Two guys go to Kevin because the one guy you're not going to want to leave is Kevin.
00:05:32So a little bit better communication, not a straight double.
00:05:34Better communication probably doesn't give up that three.
00:05:38Davison, only a 26% three-point shooter.
00:05:41Aaron Holiday was a much better three-point shooter.
00:05:43Was kind of playing the role that Davison is earlier in the year.
00:05:46But Davison getting those minutes now.
00:05:48Shot clock at three.
00:05:49And a steal.
00:05:50Durant ahead of the pack.
00:05:52Caruso's going to challenge.
00:05:53Durant didn't see him.
00:05:54And again, Caruso knocks it out of play.
00:05:56It was the loudest the arena has been all day.
00:06:04Because of the great hustle of Alex Caruso.
00:06:08Just an absolute dead sprint.
00:06:11Kevin Durant had at least six steps.
00:06:14Now, did he rake him across the arm?
00:06:16Kevin seemed to think that.
00:06:18But it looked like he got it clean.
00:06:20He's saying he got my wrist.
00:06:22Three-and-a-half to go.
00:06:29Dork denying Durant.
00:06:31Eason driving on Caruso.
00:06:34Underneath to Okoge.
00:06:35Through the lane.
00:06:37Extra pass Durant.
00:06:38Finney Smith missed the three.
00:06:40Eason over the top.
00:06:41Kept it alive.
00:06:42And hand fighting with Caruso.
00:06:45And it's a foul on Eason.
00:06:47His second.
00:06:49Loose ball foul.
00:06:50If you want to know how a guy who doesn't take many shots
00:06:55can completely change the tone and tenor of a game,
00:06:59watch Alex Caruso play basketball.
00:07:03I mean, he shields off Tari Eason first.
00:07:06I mean, he's given as good as they get.
00:07:08But Eason is going to be the guy to come up with a foul.
00:07:11But, I mean, he's a game changer.
00:07:13He's a momentum changer.
00:07:14I think he's got a little blood on him.
00:07:16That's par for the course.
00:07:17He will shoot free throws here with Houston being over the foul limit.
00:07:22Former Hustle Award winner.
00:07:24You go back to when he was with the Lakers,
00:07:25a lot of people thought they never should have gotten rid of him then.
00:07:27He was such a valuable player for them.
00:07:30And helped the Thunder win a championship last year.
00:07:33Well, tomorrow, we've got another game on ABC for you.
00:07:37Our NBA Sunday Showcase, the Celtics and Knicks at 12.30 Eastern,
00:07:42then on ESPN at 3.
00:07:44The new-look Clippers with no Harden or Zubats.
00:07:48Darius Garland still out, taking on Minnesota.
00:07:52Coverage starts NBA countdown noon Eastern.
00:07:54Were you surprised at all at Detroit blowing the New York Knicks out again?
00:07:59Pistons look like they're the best team in the East right now.
00:08:01And they have the best record by five games over everybody else.
00:08:05And you wonder, you know, we talk about the Pistons haven't been there.
00:08:09But the team they faced in the playoffs last year was the New York Knicks.
00:08:12And, well, what a job.
00:08:15What a coaching job by J.B. Vickerstaff.
00:08:19Just defensive toughness.
00:08:22Kate Cunningham and Jalen Dorn special both have taken steps this season.
00:08:27I feel like this is every year,
00:08:29but maybe it's more pronounced this year as Caruso misses the free throw.
00:08:32The number of Coach of the Year candidates.
00:08:35There's five in each conference, right?
00:08:37Right. No question about it.
00:08:38I mean, Joe Missoula, the job that he and his staff has done in Boston is incredible.
00:08:47Boston's won five in a row.
00:08:49They have the second-best record in the East, a game ahead of the Knicks.
00:08:59Rob Kogan and Zach Zarba are conferring after the made free throw by Caruso.
00:09:08Are they talking lane violation here?
00:09:18Jump ball.
00:09:27They're saying a double lane violation.
00:09:31So that's why we have the jump ball, but you take the point off the board then.
00:09:38So it remains 71-70, and they'll jump it up at midcourt with Williams and Smith.
00:09:45Houston ball just outside three minutes to go in the third quarter.
00:09:48The Rockets have come back from 15 down.
00:09:52Smith looked at his feet to make sure he was behind the arc,
00:09:55and then he smoked the net on a three.
00:10:02Smith with 16 points, averaging a career-high 15 on the year.
00:10:06Joe to answer, fouled by Davison.
00:10:11Three free throws coming up for Joe.
00:10:13So not only do you commit the foul, but I think it's likely that there's some contact to his head.
00:10:25Yes, in fact.
00:10:27Just when Joe was coming to the ground.
00:10:29Yeah, insult to injury.
00:10:33Joe, 87% free throw shooter.
00:10:36Will get three free throws.
00:10:38Oklahoma City is now 8 of 13 at the line.
00:10:42Houston is 6 of 9.
00:10:44All-star break next weekend.
00:10:46The Thunder will be at the Lakers, at Phoenix,
00:10:50and then next Thursday against Milwaukee before the break.
00:10:53Houston has a back-to-back with the Clippers,
00:10:55then at Charlotte before the All-Star break.
00:10:59We get it.
00:11:02Every game in the West, too, Dave,
00:11:04with as close as those standings are.
00:11:06But you're going to be without this guy to the opposite side.
00:11:11And it's re-evaluation after All-Star, not, hey, I'm coming back to play.
00:11:17And the lead for Oklahoma City over San Antonio for the top spot in the West
00:11:22is at 4 right now in the loss column.
00:11:26Houston, Denver, and the Lakers at 19 losses, all tied for 3rd in the West.
00:11:32Durant setting the screen for Shingun.
00:11:34KD gets it back, rises up.
00:11:35The 3 is off target.
00:11:42Still Houston, 5 of 11 from 3-point land here in the 3rd period.
00:11:48Joe trying to fake out Shingun and miss the shot.
00:11:52Rebound Smith.
00:11:53Let's see if they go back to that action with Kevin and Shingun.
00:12:00Shingun on the back down, body-to-body with Jalen Williams.
00:12:03A lot of contact.
00:12:04Count the basket and a foul on the defense.
00:12:07Oh, a little shippiness between Jabari and Jalen Williams as well.
00:12:11Everybody reaching and slapping here.
00:12:13A little frustration, a little conversation.
00:12:15Akoge came in as well, and Williams kind of shoved him out of the way.
00:12:20This is what I was talking about earlier.
00:12:22Shingun punishes defenders.
00:12:24He seeks the body.
00:12:25He tries to get separation.
00:12:27And if you're Jalen, I don't blame your frustration.
00:12:30You are, number one, you deliver a body blow first.
00:12:33But then Shingun attacks the body, gets him off.
00:12:35And the step two is probably what gets Jalen that foul call.
00:12:40Boy, that's a little old-school post-action, and then there's the extracurricular.
00:12:44I'm here for it.
00:12:45Let's have a little distaste.
00:12:48Got Emei with Doka's attention.
00:12:50That's the way he played and how he likes it.
00:12:52He wants his team to be the most physical team in the league.
00:12:56Meanwhile, Shingun has a triple-double with 10 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists.
00:13:02He had just two baskets in the first half.
00:13:08Yet a triple-double for Shingun.
00:13:11In the mid-range with a shot clock at five.
00:13:13Holmgren hits the back iron.
00:13:16Davison out to Smith.
00:13:18Houston with a four-point lead.
00:13:21Largest lead for the Rockets today has been six.
00:13:25Okoge's three spins out.
00:13:27Rebound Joe.
00:13:29Minute and a half to go in the third quarter.
00:13:32Boy, the back cuts.
00:13:35Better job by Houston on the back cuts in this half.
00:13:41Obviously missing Gilgis Alexander and Jalen Williams' offense here in crunch time at the end of the quarter.
00:13:48A.J. Mitchell as well.
00:13:49Those three guys not available for the Thunder.
00:13:52They've gone cold here in the last few minutes.
00:13:54Javari Smith can't knock down the three.
00:13:58Joe with a rebound.
00:14:00There's 21 points in the quarter for Oklahoma City with a minute to go and trailing by four.
00:14:06Holmgren driving, spinning, and is fouled.
00:14:10He'll go to the line.
00:14:10That's tough, right?
00:14:13Like, this is, this is an off-the-bounce, a handle that's clean enough under pressure at 7-1 to make a play for himself.
00:14:25Third foul on Okoge.
00:14:26It's been a quiet quarter for Holmgren.
00:14:28Just two points.
00:14:30Twelve for the game.
00:14:30Ten rebounds.
00:14:31But all those came in the first half.
00:14:38And Holmgren misses the first free throw as we look at our upcoming national TV schedule.
00:14:43Tonight, Dallas and San Antonio on prime video.
00:14:47The Lakers and Warriors meet on ABC at 8.30 Eastern Time.
00:14:51Tomorrow, ABC, Knicks Boston.
00:14:53On ESPN, it's the Clippers and the Wolves.
00:14:55Go to NBA.com or visit the NBA app for more.
00:14:58No, Luka, it sounds like tonight, but Austin Reeves is back and LeBron James,
00:15:02so both guys will handle the ball in Luka's absence.
00:15:07Reeves was great the other night, and the Lakers win.
00:15:09And Golden State coming off maybe its best win of the year at Phoenix.
00:15:13After the trade deadline passes, everybody takes a collective breath and says,
00:15:18All right, I can park myself here a little longer.
00:15:21Here comes another double.
00:15:22You're just taking that out of the two best players' hands.
00:15:25Kevin has got his arms up in the corner basically begging for the ball.
00:15:29Shangun gets it to him.
00:15:30Durant can't hit it, though.
00:15:32Offensive rebound, Smith.
00:15:35Durant bumps, and he'll go to the line.
00:15:38Durant has now taken five shots in the quarter after just three in the first half.
00:15:46And this is what this is about is earlier in the play when Kevin was in the corner with his arms outstretched,
00:15:54like, hey, find me.
00:15:55There's the contact by Holmgren.
00:15:57He just seeks the body.
00:15:58He's missed the last couple of decent looks he's had.
00:16:03And that's unusual.
00:16:05Like, Kevin Durant's efficiency against uncontested jump shots is silly,
00:16:09but, boy, like, no rhythm right now.
00:16:12And I give some credit to what Oklahoma City has done.
00:16:16Made his night very long.
00:16:17When's the last time Kevin Durant missed three free throws in a game where he's only attempted four?
00:16:24And this is killing him because he actually came in today very close to 50-40-90,
00:16:31like, percentage, tenths of a percentage point away free throw-wise on 50-40-90.
00:16:37He's done it twice in his career.
00:16:39Only nine players have done it in NBA history.
00:16:42Wiggins misses inside.
00:16:43And Houston can hold for the final shot.
00:16:45The Thunder with no field goals in the last five minutes of this quarter, yet only down four.
00:16:52Eight seconds to go.
00:16:54Shen Goon trying to free up Durant with a screen.
00:16:56Back to Shen Goon.
00:16:57Lost the ball.
00:16:58And a foul.
00:16:59Three throws coming up.
00:17:01For the Rockets here with 4.7 seconds left.
00:17:05Boy, there's, there's, I'm going to say this to you, Dave.
00:17:07Like, the level of conversation happening amongst this Houston group,
00:17:11they want this win badly.
00:17:14They know they're not playing great,
00:17:16that their offense since the turn of the new year has not been good.
00:17:21There's an urgency in communication.
00:17:24And they know fourth quarters have been ugly for them on both sides.
00:17:30And you can feel it.
00:17:32It is palpable how badly they want this,
00:17:35knowing that Oklahoma City is undermanned.
00:17:37They also don't want to get called out by their coach again.
00:17:42And the postgame presser for lacking toughness and fight.
00:17:50Now, Durant goes to the bench with 4.7 seconds left.
00:17:53Shen Goon got the first and the second.
00:17:5712 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists for Shen Goon.
00:18:00Here comes Wiggins with two.
00:18:02Wiggins drives, hangs, can't hit, and the quarter comes to an end.
00:18:0980-74, Houston leads after three.
00:18:12This presentation of NBA Saturday Primetime presented by Wingstop
00:18:16will continue after this message and a word from our ABC station.
00:18:24Presented by Wingstop, we're on the sidelines with Aaron Wiggins.
00:18:26Aaron, it felt like those last few minutes you guys went a little cold offensively.
00:18:29How do you regain your rhythm?
00:18:31Just got to keep working our possessions.
00:18:33You know, they're obviously applying a little bit of pressure up the court.
00:18:35We've got to be a little bit better at executing our plays.
00:18:37Kevin Durant's one of the best scorers in the league.
00:18:40He's got 11 so far.
00:18:42What do you like about the way you guys are limiting him?
00:18:44Yeah, I mean, just our attention to detail when he gets the ball.
00:18:46We're all on the same page defensively.
00:18:48Got to continue to do that through the fourth quarter
00:18:49and get out and run and get some points offensively.
00:18:52Thank you.
00:18:53Appreciate it.
00:18:53Thank you.
00:18:54Dave?
00:18:54All right, Katie, lay in by Eason after the throwdown from Holmgren,
00:18:59and it's a six-point Houston lead, opening minute of the fourth quarter.
00:19:03The Rockets outscored the Thunder 34-22 in that third period.
00:19:07Hartenstein hits the deck and now numbers for Houston,
00:19:10although Eason is cobbling up the floor for the Rockets.
00:19:14Three-pointer good from the corner for Finney Smith,
00:19:17and then Schengen hits the floor, holding his face.
00:19:22There was contact with Hartenstein as he went to sprint up the floor.
00:19:27So Zach Zorba and Murat Kovic are going to have a conversation.
00:19:30I saw them say Hartenstein.
00:19:34So Eason hobbles to the Rocket bench.
00:19:38Schengen is up.
00:19:39They're going to look at this to see if there's anything flagrant,
00:19:41but you see they're just incidental face-to-face contact.
00:19:44But Eason, Eason being hobbled, like they need him.
00:19:52The play is under review.
00:20:01This call of under review is brought to you by a couple of levels of hobbling
00:20:04and this is a different time for your team plus the city center.
00:20:1485-76, Houston.
00:20:22Again, looking to see if there's anything flagrant,
00:20:24but I think this should be quick.
00:20:30Looks like Eason's okay because he's not going anywhere.
00:20:33His shooting has been critical.
00:20:35He's got the shoe off, but at least he's not heading back to the locker room.
00:20:38He's at five three-pointers.
00:20:40He's got 21 points.
00:20:42He averages 12 per game.
00:20:45It's more of the communication I'm talking about.
00:20:48And good basketball teams do a ton of this.
00:20:51What's working?
00:20:52What's not?
00:20:53Where do I need you on the floor?
00:20:54If you're Schengen, you said a triple-double.
00:20:57So 10 assists already for him.
00:20:59And, like, if you're Dorian Finney-Smith, where does he want you on the floor
00:21:04as he's trying to navigate the pressure?
00:21:06The contact between Hartenstein and Schengen is inadvertent
00:21:08and has not been awarded any penalty.
00:21:11It's a no-call.
00:21:12It will be ball tied out.
00:21:21So Schengen will stay in the game.
00:21:23Count the basket, and it's Oklahoma City ball, with Houston up nine.
00:21:31One minute gone by in the fourth.
00:21:34Houston tried to end a two-game skit.
00:21:36You mentioned Schengen with a triple-double.
00:21:3712 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists.
00:21:39His second triple-double, Kevin Durant has 11 points.
00:21:43He's only taken eight shots.
00:21:44Not on the floor here to start the fourth.
00:21:47Holmgren has 15.
00:21:48Wiggins, Wallace, and Joe with 14 points each.
00:21:52No Gildas Alexander, Jalen Williams, or A.J. Mitchell for the Thunder today.
00:21:58No Amen Thompson for Houston.
00:22:00Holmgren on the deep catch.
00:22:01Knocked away by Eason.
00:22:03Loose ball picked up on the baseline with a shot clock at seven.
00:22:06Jared McCain, first game as a Thunder.
00:22:08Can't hit the three.
00:22:09Acquired in a trade from Philly.
00:22:11Got it the second time.
00:22:14And that's why they got him.
00:22:15He can stretch the defense with the deep ball.
00:22:18Defense!
00:22:20Defense!
00:22:22Defense!
00:22:23Defense!
00:22:24Defense!
00:22:25Defense!
00:22:26Defense!
00:22:27Second basket for McCain in eight minutes played in his Thunder debut.
00:22:32Schengen will try a three.
00:22:34And he hits it.
00:22:35Only his 25th made three of the year.
00:22:37Six of those have come against the Thunder.
00:22:39That's right.
00:22:40He got off to a hot start that first game from three against Sims.
00:22:44Hit five in that game.
00:22:45Now he comes up with a rejection on Wallace.
00:22:47What a game by this guy.
00:22:49Just a complete basketball game.
00:22:50He talked about how few shot opportunities he had in the first.
00:22:54Teams want to attack him.
00:22:55And this is a small, shifty, dynamic guard.
00:22:59Looks like he's got a great recovery.
00:23:02Eason runs over Isaiah Joe and then stood over him.
00:23:08Isaiah Hardenstein in the face of Zach Zarba.
00:23:12So a personal foul on Eason is his third.
00:23:15First team foul.
00:23:17Oh, that's a foul.
00:23:20No question about it.
00:23:22But this is, that's close.
00:23:26Well, there must have been a technical foul.
00:23:33There's nothing up on the official score sheet, but with Joe at the line,
00:23:37they must have called a technical on Eason.
00:23:39Yeah, I thought this at the end was, we've seen that be a technical before.
00:23:46Again, there was no signal from the official.
00:23:48We have nothing in the official box score, but clearly there was a technical.
00:23:54Three-pointer is good from Wallace.
00:23:57So we're being able to get a technical foul.
00:23:59We have nothing in the official box score, but clearly there was a technical.
00:24:04Three-pointer is good from Wallace.
00:24:07So we're being told that they called an away from the play foul,
00:24:12which is one technical free throw.
00:24:15So it's a four-point possession.
00:24:17And Houston's lead is down to five.
00:24:20Eason can't answer.
00:24:22Holmgren with the rebound and the quick outlet.
00:24:25Joe shovels Holmgren.
00:24:28Fake the three.
00:24:29Joe.
00:24:30Now Wallace working on Shen Goon.
00:24:33Backs him up.
00:24:34Now takes him.
00:24:35Crosses him over.
00:24:36Fall away.
00:24:37Good.
00:24:38That's a three-point game.
00:24:40He's been a monster today.
00:24:42Both ends.
00:24:43An absolute monster.
00:24:45He's been digging it out at times against Kevin Durant,
00:24:48and what a lift offensively by him.
00:24:51Defense!
00:24:52Defense!
00:24:53Defense!
00:24:54Defense!
00:24:55Defense!
00:24:56Shen Goon feeling it now.
00:24:59Shen Goon with 17 points, 11 boards, 11 assists.
00:25:03O.A.C.
00:25:06O.A.C.
00:25:07O.A.C.
00:25:08O.A.C.
00:25:09O.A.C.
00:25:10O.A.C.
00:25:11O.A.C.
00:25:12O.A.C.
00:25:13Joe gets the dribble handoff.
00:25:15Elbow J.
00:25:16Too strong.
00:25:17And Jabari Smith clears it.
00:25:18Houston at 31 and 19.
00:25:23Side for third in the west.
00:25:25Oklahoma City 40 and 12.
00:25:27Best record in the league.
00:25:28Shepherd to the corner.
00:25:30Eason drives.
00:25:31One-hand pass.
00:25:32Finney Smith.
00:25:33Not close on the triple try.
00:25:35Four-teeth rebound for Holmgren.
00:25:38Now McCain, 21-year-old, second year out of Duke.
00:25:44Sent back by Shen Goon.
00:25:46Kept alive, though.
00:25:47And then Eason pokes it free.
00:25:49It'll stay with the thunder.
00:25:50Shot clock at seven.
00:25:51Backdoor cut.
00:25:52Wallace gets two.
00:25:53And then, again, timely, opportunistic, smart, playing off his teammates.
00:26:03The big had lifted, so he just crosses the paint and gets in the vision of that sweet passer.
00:26:11Durant waiting to check in at the next dead ball.
00:26:14Shen Goon with a hot hand.
00:26:16Almost turned it over.
00:26:17How did Eason get to that ball?
00:26:19Shepherd's three.
00:26:20A round it out.
00:26:21Knocked out of bounds by the Thunder.
00:26:24What an effort by Kaysen Wallace.
00:26:26And, again, they're spreading this across multiple guys.
00:26:30But they have been in need of some offense.
00:26:33Kaysen Wallace gets a three.
00:26:35You have to be opportunistic.
00:26:37You got the big on you.
00:26:38Pretty good defense by Shen Goon.
00:26:41Better little fade away.
00:26:42And then the cut becomes in the vision of that passer, Hartenstein.
00:26:47Shot clock was dwindling.
00:26:49Really good read.
00:26:52Meanwhile, Durant checks back into the game for Houston.
00:26:56Eleven points.
00:26:57His season low is 11.
00:27:02Shen Goon will get a breather.
00:27:04He's played 30 minutes.
00:27:06Defense!
00:27:07Oklahoma City back within three.
00:27:09Eight points in the last two minutes for the Thunder.
00:27:12Smith drives.
00:27:13And he was fouled.
00:27:14Couldn't finish through the contact.
00:27:15But he will shoot two.
00:27:19Don Isaiah Joe his third.
00:27:24First team foul on the Thunder.
00:27:25Let's check in with Katie George.
00:27:26Well, Dave Dorris, to your point, Kaysen Wallace said last year in the playoffs he was in situations where he had to make a play with the ball.
00:27:33So this offseason he wanted to be more prepared for those scenarios.
00:27:37I mean, how relevant is that now due to the injuries?
00:27:39Wallace said he focused on becoming more aggressive and offensive minded this season.
00:27:43And Mark Dagnall said he's still a pretty raw player for a guy who's impacting winning at such a high level.
00:27:49It's fun to think about his potential in this league.
00:27:52First and total steals.
00:27:54First and total deflections.
00:27:56Obviously, with these two men out, everybody has to take a piece of the offense.
00:28:01A little bit more concerted effort to be aggressive and try to relieve some of that offensive pressure.
00:28:07He's been terrific.
00:28:08Averaging about eight points per game on the year, but up late he's been on a tear.
00:28:13We mentioned the 27-point game against Detroit last weekend.
00:28:16He had 13 in San Antonio Wednesday, 21 here today.
00:28:20One out of two at the line for Jabari Smith, and it's a four-point Houston lead.
00:28:25Holmgren putting it on the deck, draws another foul.
00:28:29Holmgren 4 of 6 so far at the line today.
00:28:32Fifteen points and 14 boards, and I keep touching on this.
00:28:37He's a capable three-point shooter, so you've got to be up to challenge.
00:28:41And then the off-the-bounds game, he's shown it to you multiple times.
00:28:45And he had to build his body back up.
00:28:49I mean, 89 days between the hip fracture and his return a season ago.
00:28:54Also missed a full season his rookie year due to a foot injury.
00:28:58More NBA action on ABC tonight with the Warriors-Lakers,
00:29:01but first, Ernie Kenny-Shack and Chris Webber tip off coverage at 8 Eastern time,
00:29:06and they'll be back after the game at 11 Eastern.
00:29:10Charles obviously has some important stuff to do tonight.
00:29:16We'll have another show for you tomorrow as well.
00:29:20Leading into the Celtics and the Knicks.
00:29:26Two-point game, 7.20 remaining.
00:29:29Look at Holmgren, Danaya Cody.
00:29:32He's talking, too, communicating with Wallace.
00:29:35Shot clock down to four.
00:29:37That dribbled off the foot of Davison, and it's a turnover.
00:29:41Joe, all the way to the goal, lays it in to tie it up at 91 apiece.
00:29:46Two teams excellent on the defensive side of the floor,
00:29:54trying to use that to get him over the finish line here.
00:29:59The MVP is on the sideline,
00:30:01but the Thunder, without their best player,
00:30:05making their move here in the fourth quarter.
00:30:07They almost force a turnover.
00:30:09Davison inside.
00:30:10One second to shoot.
00:30:11Out of bounds.
00:30:12Wow, foul call, Dave.
00:30:14They're going to get a foul.
00:30:16Jabari gets a couple free throws.
00:30:18That's so close to a shot clock violation.
00:30:22Wow.
00:30:2391 all.
00:30:24We'll see you on the other side.
00:30:27NBA Saturday primetime on ABC is presented by Wingstop.
00:30:32Made to order.
00:30:33Always fresh.
00:30:34Order at Wingstop.com and lock in your flavor.
00:30:37Flippers and the Wolves.
00:30:38Coverage starts with NBA countdown at noon Eastern time tomorrow.
00:30:42Meanwhile, Payson Wallace, the leading scorer for the Thunder today with 21 points.
00:30:47Well, he is known for his defensive abilities,
00:30:49but your two best players are not in uniform today,
00:30:54so he's gone to work opportunistically.
00:30:57Great cutter.
00:30:58He's always been that.
00:31:01But he has been a lift for this group today.
00:31:05And it's not just the total points.
00:31:07To me, it's been when he's scored up.
00:31:10All seven points in this quarter in the last three minutes for Oklahoma City.
00:31:15Now, Houston, here in the second half, after having 11 turnovers and given up eight points off,
00:31:22they only have two turnovers.
00:31:25We are marching close to crunch time.
00:31:28They've got to be solid with the basketball, Houston.
00:31:32They're in the timeout.
00:31:33They're in the timeout.
00:31:34The officials look to confirm that the foul occurred before a shot clock violation.
00:31:39And it did.
00:31:40So, fourth foul on Isaiah Joe and Jabari Smith at the line.
00:31:45He has four for five, 17 points.
00:31:48He's a 76% free throw shooter on the season.
00:31:52Houston back in front by one, nearing the midway point of the fourth quarter.
00:31:57Third and final meeting between these two teams.
00:32:00Oklahoma City took the first two.
00:32:02And Jabari's been terrific, Dave.
00:32:04You know, what I loved about his approach to getting to this 18 points is confidence.
00:32:11Like, not shying away.
00:32:13If it's ISO basketball and it's unsigned ten seconds,
00:32:17and he's like, all right, I'm the best option because they're denying.
00:32:20He has put his foot to the gas pedal and trying to take advantage.
00:32:24Nine rebounds, two for Jabari Smith to go at 19 points on just ten shots.
00:32:28Hartenstein, great find.
00:32:30Caruso pays it off.
00:32:32There he's a three to give the Thunder the lead back.
00:32:37Eleven assists for Hartenstein, a new career high.
00:32:42How about the two centers in this game, each with 11 assists?
00:32:50Shepard off the Durant screen.
00:32:54Durant, 11 points, tries the three, and he knocks it down.
00:32:58Wow, big response.
00:33:00Because he's the guy who left Caruso on that last play.
00:33:04And Caruso was clean to take that three.
00:33:08Houston by two.
00:33:10Isaiah Joe, 17 points, gets past this man.
00:33:12Oh, what a swap by Smith.
00:33:14Kept alive, though, by McCain.
00:33:16Shot clock down to five.
00:33:17Wallace feeds Hartenstein.
00:33:19And a foul.
00:33:21Hartenstein will go to the line.
00:33:23He is 0 for 1 tonight, 68% at the strike this season.
00:33:27Mark Degno was telling his pregame, like, it's going to be a collective.
00:33:31And Hartenstein has done his job as a facilitator.
00:33:35A lot of times, the ball's in the hands of Shea Gildas Alexander.
00:33:39Hartenstein has done his fair share of the heavy lifting.
00:33:42And then the response from Kevin Durant after that Caruso three.
00:33:46Shane Goon commits the foul, his second, third team foul.
00:33:52Hartenstein ricked the free throw.
00:33:58He'll just Alexander out till after the All-Star break.
00:34:02Don't know when he'll return.
00:34:03They'll reevaluate him.
00:34:04Following next weekend, this is his second straight game he's missed with an abdominal strain.
00:34:09Third team All-NBA last year.
00:34:11And an All-Star Jalen Williams missing another game.
00:34:14This year, he's only played in 24 games.
00:34:19Yet, here they are once again.
00:34:21Right.
00:34:22And it's at the end.
00:34:24And today, beating the Houston Rockets at their own game.
00:34:30They're plus 12 coming out of the last break in the paint.
00:34:33Plus 12 in second chance points.
00:34:37The other player you saw there was A.J. Mitchell.
00:34:39He's out, too.
00:34:40Eighth straight game he's missed.
00:34:41That's 14 more points they don't have.
00:34:43Two missed free throws.
00:34:45Hardenstein now Shepard able to shield the defender and score.
00:34:49Houston back up four.
00:34:50Wow.
00:34:51That is really well done by Shepard because Wallace is a great rear-view contest guy.
00:34:5716 points down.
00:34:58Dork couldn't handle the pass.
00:35:00Out of bounds.
00:35:01Houston ball.
00:35:02Easton has 21.
00:35:0319 for Smith.
00:35:0417 Shengun.
00:35:05Shepard 16.
00:35:06Durant's the fifth leading score on Houston today.
00:35:07Yet, they have the lead.
00:35:08Shot clock down to eight.
00:35:09Shengun.
00:35:10No look pass.
00:35:11Broken up.
00:35:12But they're going to call Caruso for a foul.
00:35:13Third team foul.
00:35:14Third personal.
00:35:15Interesting that you're finishing here at least right now with both Shepard and Davison on the floor.
00:35:24Davison tries to be opportunistic here.
00:35:25And thank God he's sprinting through that pass because if he stops short, that's a steal.
00:35:31Holmgren back on the court.
00:35:4417 points, 13 rebounds.
00:35:45He'll replace Hartenstein.
00:35:47That's a steal.
00:35:48Holmgren back on the court.
00:35:5017 points, 13 rebounds.
00:35:51He'll replace Hartenstein.
00:35:52Холмгрен обратно на court.
00:35:5617 points, 13 rebounds.
00:35:58Он replaced Хartenштейн.
00:36:03Дурант пытается сделать free.
00:36:05Он был вверх.
00:36:06Он будет вверх.
00:36:07Он будет вверх.
00:36:07Холмгрен на Дурант.
00:36:11Шот clock at 3.
00:36:12Дурант gives it up to Eason.
00:36:14Eason drives.
00:36:14Хангс.
00:36:15Бэкс.
00:36:15Идет вверх.
00:36:16Товщик.
00:36:17Хустон leads by 6.
00:36:19И в оклахома-сити.
00:36:20Тимаут.
00:36:21Wow.
00:36:22I'm not sure what the total number of double teams sent Kevin Durant's way.
00:36:26Coming in, he has been fifth in blitz rate.
00:36:29Feels a little higher than that.
00:36:32Two go to him.
00:36:32Толрео.
00:36:33Товщик.
00:36:34Товщик.
00:36:35Wow.
00:36:41Los Angeles at Crypto.com.
00:36:43About three hours before tonight's ABC game against the Golden State Warriors.
00:36:4842,000, nearly 43,000 points.
00:36:54He's trying to put that in a place where they can't touch it.
00:36:58Kevin Durant, the number six all-time leading scorer.
00:37:02Meanwhile, Chet Holmgren, only two baskets in the second half.
00:37:05Now he's been getting to the free-throw line.
00:37:08What's the offensive focus for OKC without three of their top four scores?
00:37:13I wonder, do you want to try to get Chet a touch here,
00:37:16especially with Hartenstein off the floor?
00:37:19They turned it over, though.
00:37:20Eason, season-high 23 points, takes it all the way.
00:37:24They're going to call him for an offensive foul.
00:37:26He caught the defender with an elbow.
00:37:28And Eimei immediately looks back to his back bench.
00:37:33And he's going to review this.
00:37:35I thought that defender might have slid in a little later
00:37:37or didn't even take it full-on in the chest.
00:37:42It's a dead sprint for Isaiah Joe.
00:37:44Oh, yeah.
00:37:44I don't think—I think that could be overturned.
00:37:48But watch the contact there with the chin of Joe.
00:37:52That's, I assume, why they called the offensive foul.
00:37:54The run on the floor is an offensive foul on Eason,
00:37:55and Houston is challenging the run.
00:37:57I mean, he's got to make that call.
00:38:00That is a dead sprint for both guys.
00:38:03Can't wait to see.
00:38:07Degdolk was doing this.
00:38:08We don't, however, consider this unsportsmanlike or unnecessary contact,
00:38:13so there's no upgrade, but the offensive foul stands.
00:38:15Unsuccessful challenge.
00:38:17So Houston, out of challenges, offensive foul on Eason.
00:38:20And you saw Mark Degdolk twirling his finger.
00:38:23That's because he wanted them to look to see if there should have been a flagrant on Eason for the elbow.
00:38:28But you just heard Zach Zarba's description, common foul.
00:38:32He tries to do the Donovan Mitchell high swim move,
00:38:35and in doing so, that's where he makes contact.
00:38:38So Oklahoma City possession.
00:38:40Down six, 4.18 to go in the game.
00:38:46And if the Thunder were to lose this game,
00:38:49they would be only three games up on San Antonio for the top spot in the West.
00:38:54And remember, they lose the tiebreaker because they lost the season series.
00:38:59Obviously, a lot of games to go,
00:39:00but Oklahoma City trying to hang on, going into the All-Star break.
00:39:05Caruso's three.
00:39:06It's good.
00:39:07He's made two in a row after an 0-4-4 start from Deke.
00:39:16Shepard back down court.
00:39:17Eason to answer.
00:39:19No good.
00:39:19Rebound.
00:39:20Home run.
00:39:25Wallace taking Shen Goon into his body.
00:39:28Lost his footing.
00:39:29On the ground, trying to find a teammate.
00:39:31He gets tied up by Shen Goon with 12 on the shot clock.
00:39:34So they've gone to a single big, Oklahoma City,
00:39:39which means the spacing is a little bit different.
00:39:42Because you don't have the double big,
00:39:44look at the ability of Kaysen Wallace to get downhill,
00:39:48force the collapse back to your open shooter.
00:39:51Great backfill by Alex Caruso.
00:39:54But the dynamic is different.
00:39:55You're playing smaller.
00:39:56Shepard checks at the five.
00:39:58There's a little different spacing for these guards to attack.
00:40:01Houston possession after the jump ball.
00:40:04Shepard's got 16 points.
00:40:05Got the start today for him.
00:40:07And Thompson not playing because of an illness.
00:40:11Shen Goon setting the screen.
00:40:13Shepard drives.
00:40:14Fires to the corner.
00:40:15And Smith.
00:40:15Shot clock down to six.
00:40:17Smith into the lane.
00:40:18And he's fouled on the turnaround try.
00:40:22He'll shoot two.
00:40:23You see what I mean about his willingness to attack under duress of the shot clock?
00:40:27These are free throws number eight and nine.
00:40:31And I talked earlier in the game about he's got to keep his confidence.
00:40:34You've got to believe in the work.
00:40:36Great strength of hand.
00:40:38Are they going to challenge this?
00:40:39Yes.
00:40:40Mark Dignol.
00:40:40Yeah, because let's see.
00:40:42It looks like clean initially on the ball.
00:40:45So is their contact down low?
00:40:48I'm not sure there is.
00:40:50Ruling on the floor is a defensive foul on Wiggins.
00:40:53Oklahoma City is challenging the ruling.
00:40:55Legal guarding position making illegal contact to Jabari Smith Jr.
00:40:59Therefore it is a successful challenge.
00:41:01But the foul will be switched to Wiggins.
00:41:05I'm sorry, excuse me.
00:41:06To Joe.
00:41:07Two free throws.
00:41:08They keep the timeout.
00:41:12Wow.
00:41:13And so Isaiah Joe picks up the foul.
00:41:16That is his fifth.
00:41:18Okay, so Wiggins, this part they say is initially clean.
00:41:21Did they say Isaiah Joe's left arm?
00:41:28Did Zach say his, no, he had to mean his right arm.
00:41:32Because his right arm was holding the back of Jabari Smith.
00:41:35They do keep their challenge.
00:41:38He heard Zach Jarvis say successful challenge.
00:41:40So, Mark Dignol will still have one.
00:41:43Emei Udoka is out.
00:41:45And Jabari Smith at the line looking to add to a three-point Houston lead with 319 to play.
00:41:50Smith, seven of eight at the line, 20 points and nine rebounds.
00:42:02And then a confident option when the ball is found in and they've needed somebody to make a play.
00:42:08And it's, Dave, that is what it's going to have to be for them to compete.
00:42:17You see how hard OKC is going after Kevin and Shen Goon.
00:42:23Knocked out of bounds last by Easton, Oklahoma City ball.
00:42:26But you touched on this earlier about how much Houston's offense is about Durant and Shen Goon.
00:42:35Well, Oklahoma City's taken that away.
00:42:37But others have stepped up for the Rockets and that's why they have the lead.
00:42:4023 for Easton, 20 for Smith, 16 for Shepard.
00:42:44Deep lob, Holmgren caught it.
00:42:45And a reach-in foul on Shepard.
00:42:48Fourth team foul, third personal.
00:42:51And they're going to say no shot, so side out of bounds.
00:42:54Again, little back screen here, you're trying to get Chet a catch.
00:42:58And because there's only one pick, you can see the look of shock on the face of Shepard.
00:43:11Russo will inbound.
00:43:1521 for Wallace, defended by Shepard.
00:43:20Goes past Holmgren, he's got Shepard on him now.
00:43:22Shen Goon comes over to help and knocks it away.
00:43:25And then Holmgren commits a foul.
00:43:27And that puts them over the limit.
00:43:29Jabari Smith will go to the free throw line.
00:43:32Great defensive awareness by Shen Goon.
00:43:34Just very good defensive awareness here.
00:43:38He's got the arm of Holmgren.
00:43:45He sure did.
00:43:45Instead of a foul on Shen Goon, it's against Holmgren and Smith shooting two.
00:43:51He doesn't catch that because Shen Goon's got his wrist.
00:43:54That's a miss.
00:43:56Smith just missed a free throw last time down.
00:43:59Seven of nine today.
00:44:00Houston's start of the year 15-5, but since they're just 16-14.
00:44:09And part of that is the offensive struggles, but much better here in the second half,
00:44:13even with Kevin Durant yet to be unlocked.
00:44:1814 points, only nine shot attempts, only three in the first half.
00:44:22The key driver of this second half is low turnovers by Houston.
00:44:28Now you've got to continue to do it for the final three minutes.
00:44:34They have a six-point lead, their defense, which is always good.
00:44:37Fifth in the NBA, holding Oklahoma City to 45 points and a half.
00:44:41Holmgren behind the line.
00:44:43Guarded by Shen Goon.
00:44:44puts up the three, a round it out, and rebounds Smith.
00:44:58Shepard watched by Wallace and picked off by Wallace.
00:45:03The NBA leader is steals with a slam on the other end.
00:45:07A big swing with Houston trying to make it a three-possession game.
00:45:11It's a killer turnover.
00:45:16I just said it, but you've done such a good job in the second half.
00:45:19You've got to get shots up here.
00:45:21They were trying to push it to an eight- or nine-point lead.
00:45:24Instead, it's down to four.
00:45:26And the shot clock down to six.
00:45:29Smith, double on the baseline.
00:45:33Can't hit over Holmgren.
00:45:34Out of bounds, off of Houston.
00:45:40And they're going to say a foul on the Rockets.
00:45:44They're over the limit, so the Thunder will have free throws.
00:45:47Watch case of Wallace.
00:45:48I mean, he's like elite.
00:45:51Total steals, total deflections.
00:45:54Number one, anticipation.
00:45:56Understanding, thinking a step ahead.
00:45:59He's saying, Reed Shepard trying to get this back to Kevin Durant.
00:46:03Let me sprint into that space.
00:46:05So good.
00:46:07Eason now with five fouls.
00:46:09Joe has five for Oklahoma City.
00:46:11He's at the line where he's four for four, 87% on the year.
00:46:16159 to go in the game.
00:46:17Each team with a pair of timeouts, both teams in the penalty, three-point contest.
00:46:30Rockets trying to win their fourth in a row on the road.
00:46:32Oklahoma City, best home record in the league at 22 and four.
00:46:39Joe connects on both.
00:46:40It's a two-point game.
00:46:41This is where they go to the two-man action of Shengun and Durant.
00:46:54Durant hanging on in the corner.
00:46:56Shengun against Wiggins with a shot clock at seven.
00:46:59Durant getting it back to Shengun, who will drive with four.
00:47:02Challenges, Holmgren missed, but the tip.
00:47:05Eason now with 25 points.
00:47:07Four-point lead, 90 seconds to go.
00:47:14Good hand.
00:47:15Shengun got the deflection, and then Shepard with the intercept.
00:47:19Caruso trying to enter it to the big home grip.
00:47:22How about the defense?
00:47:24A big part of this stand here by the Houston Rockets.
00:47:29Durant holding it near midcourt with a shot clock at 10.
00:47:33Goes away from the screen.
00:47:36Durant with four into the lane.
00:47:38Pulls up and hits, and it's a six-point lead with 1.04 to go.
00:47:44Timeout, Oklahoma City.
00:47:46Wow.
00:47:47How about the defense played by the Houston Rockets in this last stretch?
00:47:52Reed Shepard, who his coach basically told him,
00:47:55you better start to guard and compete and do your job on the defensive end,
00:48:00and it's what's allowed him to double his minutes, double his productivity.
00:48:04That was a massive steal.
00:48:07He was low on the floor, had to get around the body,
00:48:11and it allows Kevin Durant to finally get a shot opportunity.
00:48:15Little tip by Shengun.
00:48:16You are up against Chet Holmgren.
00:48:19Poor entry pass.
00:48:20I don't care.
00:48:20Great job by Reed to get off the body and make the steal.
00:48:24And this looks like a possession going absolutely nowhere.
00:48:27But a possession going nowhere, the ball couldn't find a better guy.
00:48:31And, folks, this guy, I want you to know his shooting percentage when the shot clock is six seconds or less.
00:48:38Because what does that mean?
00:48:39It means that defense is at the highest alert it can possibly be.
00:48:43That the best defender is coming at Kevin Durant.
00:48:46You know what that guy shoots six seconds or less?
00:48:48An obscene, absurd, a shade under 50%.
00:48:52You want to know why he's one of the great ones, folks?
00:48:55He's been limited all day.
00:48:57Ten shots they've taken out of the game.
00:48:59He hasn't really had a rhythm, but the baddest man on the floor steps to keep climbing that all-time points per game.
00:49:06We see you, KD.
00:49:08He's got 16 points, 6 of 10 shooting.
00:49:13Overall on the season, he's at 51% from the floor.
00:49:17The 15th consecutive year, he's shot 50% or better.
00:49:22It's the 18th straight year.
00:49:24He's averaged 25 points per game or more.
00:49:27First ballot Hall of Famer, two-time Finals MVP with the Warriors, a regular season MVP with his former team,
00:49:35in the Thunder 12 years ago.
00:49:37And now a foul on Okoge.
00:49:39That's going to send a near 90% free-throw shooter, Isaiah Joe, to the line for two free-throws
00:49:45with just a few seconds coming off the clock.
00:49:47And that was a defense-offense substitute.
00:49:49You purposely put Okoge on the floor.
00:49:52Now Emae's going to get Reed Shepard back on the floor.
00:49:544th on Okoge.
00:50:02Joe, 6 of 6 at the line, 19 points.
00:50:05And Emae Odoke goes over there with his head in his hand.
00:50:08He just, he can't believe it.
00:50:13It's, you know, hey, listen, this is human.
00:50:15Josh Okoge is an excellent defender, but these guys are human, right?
00:50:18You're not trying to foul there, but you're competing and you're playing, and sometimes that happens.
00:50:27Joe knocks down both foul shots.
00:50:30It's a four-point game with a minute to go.
00:50:33Shang-Goon will bring it up against Holmgren.
00:50:37Shang-Goon's got a triple-double, 11 assists, 12 rebounds, 17 points.
00:50:41He's directing traffic.
00:50:42He's a point center.
00:50:43He's like, get away, I got it.
00:50:45He'll trap him.
00:50:46He gives it up to Eason with a shot clock at 7.
00:50:48Eason on the baseline.
00:50:49In trouble.
00:50:50Double kicks it out.
00:50:51Timer at 3.
00:50:52Smith sees it.
00:50:53Puts it up.
00:50:54Short.
00:50:55Offensive rebound.
00:50:57Eason with his second big offensive rebound in crunch time, and now an Oklahoma City foul.
00:51:02You know, we talked in the first half about how big a piece Tari Eason is.
00:51:07Not only because he's 5 for 13 and he's been legit and a serious threat, but this guy is relentless in terms of effort and defensive ability.
00:51:17And that extra possession, massive.
00:51:19But he missed the first free throw, his first attempt to the game.
00:51:23Houston has missed seven foul shots as a team.
00:51:26So you go back offense, defense.
00:51:28Out goes Reed.
00:51:29In comes a Kobe.
00:51:30Ball to foul on Wiggins, his second.
00:51:38Eason gets the bounce on the second try.
00:51:41It's a five-point game.
00:51:43He'll pick up full court.
00:51:45Wallace racing ahead of the pack.
00:51:46Almost turned it over.
00:51:50Wiggins spinning against Durant.
00:51:51Got fouled.
00:51:52And he'll shoot two.
00:51:54Third on Durant.
00:51:56Opportunity again for points with the clock stopped at 25.6.
00:52:05Wiggins trying to get baseline.
00:52:07Going to spin back to the middle.
00:52:09Does Kevin step up into him?
00:52:16Looked like he got ball when he reached in initially.
00:52:19Yeah.
00:52:19I mean, I don't know if their feet got tangled.
00:52:22But Wiggins missed the first one.
00:52:26His first miss at the line.
00:52:27Oklahoma City has missed nine free throws.
00:52:33Oklahoma City, the number one scoring team in the league at 120 points per game.
00:52:37But no Shea Gilgis, Alexander, A.J. Mitchell, or Jalen Williams.
00:52:40And they're at 103.
00:52:42Look at the defenders you've got on the floor because Dort just came back in.
00:52:47Five really good defenders.
00:52:49It was Miss Chippy.
00:52:49What an offensive rebound.
00:52:51Holmgren on the step back for three.
00:52:53No good.
00:52:54That would have been huge if he would have hit it.
00:52:56It would have made it a two-point game.
00:52:58Instead, he missed.
00:52:59The ball goes out of bounds, and it's Houston ball.
00:53:01Yeah, but credit Tari Eason on that, Dave.
00:53:03I mean, he was battling on the weak side.
00:53:07And he took up bodies and allowed that to be their possession.
00:53:11It would have been a two, Holmgren's foot on the line, but missed.
00:53:16And so, it's Houston ball up five.
00:53:18Oklahoma City will have to foul.
00:53:21Inbound to Durant.
00:53:22Gives it up to Sheppard.
00:53:25They got a foul.
00:53:26I know they don't want a foul, Sheppard or Durant,
00:53:28but they're going to have to get a whistle, and they do,
00:53:32but they took half the clock up there before they finally committed the foul.
00:53:38This should be, you could feel it today from Houston.
00:53:41They were desperate for the win.
00:53:44They're two games under .500 in clutch time,
00:53:47but in the West standings, with both J-Dub and SGA out,
00:53:53this is a game you have to take.
00:53:56Russo picks up his fourth.
00:53:58Durant, who's missed three free throws, got that one.
00:54:02The next one would make it a three-possession game.
00:54:04They were down, Dave.
00:54:06Fifteen points in the second quarter.
00:54:08Couldn't make a shot, throwing the ball all over the gym in the first half.
00:54:14That does show some toughness and resilience.
00:54:17They were called out by their coach.
00:54:20He made Udoka publicly for not showing toughness the other night
00:54:24in a home loss to Charlotte.
00:54:27But they've come on the road.
00:54:30And lead by seven with five seconds to go.
00:54:33The three is good by Wiggins.
00:54:35It's a four-point game, but just 3.9 seconds left.
00:54:39They're going to have to foul Durant immediately, and they do,
00:54:41but there's 1.9 on the clock.
00:54:43Houston trying to close out its fourth consecutive road win
00:54:51and would keep them right now tied for third in the West.
00:54:56Eason with 26, a season high.
00:54:58Smith, 22, Durant, 18, Shang-Guna, triple-double,
00:55:06and Shepard starting for Comin Thompson out with illness with 16.
00:55:10And now Mark Dagnall going to use his last challenge.
00:55:15They're going to review it, yeah.
00:55:16Ruling on the floor of a defensive foul on Dort is being challenged by Oklahoma City.
00:55:25So is he wondering if there should have been an offensive foul on Durant?
00:55:29Does he want to look at the time to see when the foul occurred?
00:55:35Because they're trying to foul in this situation.
00:55:38I think he's looking for the tie-up initially.
00:55:56Right, maybe the tie-up then.
00:55:58I think he was asking for the tie-up, but to me, that's a foul.
00:56:02I think he's got another challenge.
00:56:04He said might as well use it here and see if either A,
00:56:06there's an offensive foul on Durant, B.
00:56:09Dort tied him up for a jump ball,
00:56:11and also they get in a block situation here.
00:56:17The look when the foul occurred.
00:56:25Houston with 64 points in the second half
00:56:27against the number one defense in the NBA.
00:56:31And a review, it's been deemed Dort makes illegal contact at the shoulder
00:56:34and then wrist of Durant causing the ball to the ground
00:56:36and it's an unsuccessful challenge.
00:56:382.7 on the game clock.
00:56:39So they do put eight-tenths of a second back on,
00:56:42but Durant's going to be at the line shooting two.
00:56:45He's got a chance.
00:56:47They got one timeout, so they could advance.
00:56:49Oh, that is their last timeout on the failed champ.
00:56:51Sorry about that, Dave.
00:56:52Durant, with a couple free throws here,
00:56:54gets a chance to get to 20 on 10 shots
00:56:58and a pretty patient game
00:57:00because the number of times there was a level of physicality
00:57:03and doubles sent his way.
00:57:05If you're not patient,
00:57:08you know, you can get out of rhythm.
00:57:10You can, you know, be out of sorts.
00:57:12He's so accustomed to this treatment.
00:57:13And with the uncertainty about how long Shea Gilgis-Alexander is going to be out,
00:57:23Jalen Williams and A.J. Mitchell,
00:57:26Oklahoma City about to drop to 40-13.
00:57:29They have been in first place in the NBA standings since March 17th of last year,
00:57:35so 327 consecutive days.
00:57:38But now in the loss column, they're tied with Detroit with a loss.
00:57:42And San Antonio, only three back.
00:57:45And again, don't know when the MVP will return from that oblique
00:57:49or abdominal injury suffered earlier in the week.
00:57:54Durant scores 13 of his 20 points in the second half.
00:57:57They get a triple-double from Shen Goon
00:57:59and a 112-106 win here in Oklahoma City.
00:58:02It just takes some extraordinary patience from Kevin
00:58:05to just hang in and hang in,
00:58:06but he's been around the block a time or two.
00:58:1217 points, 12 rebounds, 11 assists for Shen Goon,
00:58:16who's coming off his worst game of the season.
00:58:19Seven points and a loss to Charlotte at home.
00:58:21Kevin Durant standing by with Katie George.
00:58:24Thanks, Dave.
00:58:25Kevin, at one point, you guys were down by 15 in the first half.
00:58:28He came out in the second and started to click.
00:58:29What allowed you guys to outlast him in the end?
00:58:31Oh, he started making shots.
00:58:33I mean, I think we got good looks that first half.
00:58:34We just wasn't knocking them down.
00:58:36They started double-teaming,
00:58:37so they was giving guys open looks.
00:58:39And second half, we knocked them down.
00:58:40We knew they would slow down a bit.
00:58:42They were playing with a lot of energy at home the first half.
00:58:44So they're missing three guys,
00:58:46so that can bring you some energy
00:58:47when other guys get opportunity.
00:58:49They took advantage of it in the first half,
00:58:51and the second half, I think we came out with the same energy.
00:58:53You've been one of the greatest scorers in the league
00:58:55since I can remember,
00:58:56which means you faced doubles all day.
00:58:58But when your team needed it, you delivered.
00:59:00How would you describe your day?
00:59:01I mean, more than anything,
00:59:02my teammates came through and knocked down shots the whole game,
00:59:05kept the game in hand.
00:59:07You know, Jabari, Tari, Reed,
00:59:10they came in and just controlled the game,
00:59:12especially when we started seeing them coverages on me and Alfie.
00:59:15You know, they made them pay for it in the second half,
00:59:17and we're going to have to deal with that
00:59:18throughout the rest of the season,
00:59:19but it was a good test for us tonight.
00:59:22E-May has been calling for toughness and an edge.
00:59:24How important was this win after the last two games?
00:59:26Yeah, man, we definitely needed it.
00:59:28We know this team is short-handed,
00:59:29but they're still a championship organization,
00:59:31championship team, a deep team,
00:59:33so try to come out here and keep building good habits
00:59:36and get a W.
00:59:37Thanks, Katie.
00:59:38Great win.
00:59:38Appreciate it.
00:59:39Dave?
00:59:40Durant back in Oklahoma City
00:59:41where he played for the Thunder
00:59:43for the first half of his career.
00:59:47Some timely baskets down the stretch
00:59:49as Houston beats Oklahoma City 112-106.
00:59:55For Doris Burke, Katie George, our entire crew,
00:59:58I'm Dave Pasch saying so long from Oklahoma.
Comments