Three Takeaways from Oklahoma City's Home Loss to the Houston Rockets

The Oklahoma City Thunder fell for the second time in three games versus the Houston Rockets on Wednesday evening.

Houston Rockets v Oklahoma City Thunder / Joshua Gateley/GettyImages

Oklahoma City dropped one at home on Wednesday night in the absence of its superstar guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, losing 132-126 in overtime against the Houston Rockets.

This loss led to a tie in the season series as they played their fourth and final game this season, handing the Thunder its 22nd loss on the season and marking a 10-game winning streak for the Houston Rockets, who are an aspiring Play-In team just one game out of the No. 10 seed in the West.

It also saw Oklahoma City with its second loss in three games, knocking the Thunder down to even with the Minnesota Timberwolves in the No. 2 seed and a half game back from the first seed.

Here are three takeaways from the Thunder's overtime slip-up against Houston:

Shai's Health is Wealth

Gilgeous-Alexander missed his second contest of the season on Wednesday night, coming at a relatively ideal time considering his needed rest and with the Rockets' Alperen Sengun missing the game as well.

With a quad issue, Gilgeous-Alexander's absence clearly limited Oklahoma City, even though they were in winning range near the end of regulation. Missing one of the best scorers in the game will hurt any team, and in this case, it proved to be a reason for this loss inside Paycom Center.

But the call the Thunder made was correct, of course – resting him for the playoffs and more difficult matchups down the stretch is above all right now, as without him would virtually be the fall of Oklahoma City's hopes of a deep playoff run.

Giddey's Confidence, Performance Rising at Most Opportune Time

Josh Giddey has been playing with a heightened sense of confidence, urgency and patience throughout the month of March, and especially in his last two outings.

It's easily been the best stretch of his season full of ups and downs, scoring at a much higher level and doing so with greater consistency and efficiency, and certainly from the 3-point arc (40.4%) in his last 13 outings.

On Wednesday night, he'd record his first 30-point performance this season and just the second in his career. His first coming last season against the Charlotte Hornets, his ability to capitalize with more playmaking and scoring opportunities versus the Rockets saw him generate 31 points on 12-for-20 from the field, while also putting up seven rebounds, four assists, a block and a steal.

His rejuvenation is coming at an optimized time for this Thunder team that will be heading into the playoffs as one of the top seeds in the West. When considering teams who disrespect his 3-point shot, having that confidence and skill to sink the occasional open three will be immense to curate a dynamic offense in the postseason.

Production from AWigg, Iso Joe to be Vital in Postseason

Aaron Wiggins' and Isaiah Joe's production have been great for two bench players this season for the Thunder. Alongside the defensive output from Cason Wallace, Wiggins' and Joe's offensive production to complement Oklahoma City's starpower will be greatly needed as lineups are shored up into the playoffs.

On Wednesday night, both guys had massive outings in Gilgeous-Alexander's absence. Joe with 17 points on 6-of-10 shooting and four threes, and Wiggins with 16 points on 7-of-9 shooting with two treys of his own, their efficiency will be another key point for the Thunder for the remainder of the season into April.

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