Rockets' Coach Ime Udoka Reveals New Plan to Stop Thunder

For the second time this week, the Houston Rockets will take on the Oklahoma City Thunder.

For the second straight game, the Houston Rockets will take on Shail Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder. However, on Sunday it was rookie Chet Holmgren who propelled the Thunder over Houston by 13 points.

Holmgren posted an impressive 29 points, eight rebounds, and three blocks on exceptional five-for-eight shooting from beyond the arc. His presence alone was enough to deter Houston from taking the ball to the hoop. 

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"[The Thunder] are number one in shot blocks and number three in steals," coach Ime Udoka reflected. "What they're going to give you and what they're going to take away and then react to it, I think we did a good job in the first half for the most part and a terrible job in the second half."

With Houston very much aware of the Thunder's defensive capabilities, attacking areas of weakness will be a key to success tonight. 

Holmgren averages 3.5 stocks on the season, and his length makes it difficult to shoot over him or get past him when he's on the perimeter. He is easily the Thunder's best defender, so even though OKC doesn't have a ton of weak links, expect Fred VanVleet and Cam Whitmore to have an impactful night, as they are always threats from distance.

In Sunday's game, both Alperen Sengun and Jabari Smith Jr. were able to have solid scoring nights, but Smith's efficiency left a lot to be desired. If Jalen Green can get his shot going, expect tonight to be an outside-in game, rather than running the offense through the paint. 

Power Rankings: Where Are Rockets After Loss vs. Thunder?

On the other end, the Rockets will need to prevent the Thunder from getting hot, since Gilgeous-Alexander is one of the best players in the league. Currently, the season series is tied, 1-1.