Rockets Share the Ball to Finish Preseason With Win Over Thunder
The Rockets beat Oklahoma City 116–89 in the night of 15 to 16 October. With 34 assists and contributions from Sengun, VanVleet and Bogdanovic, they found several routes to the basket before the season starts.
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Houston ended their preparations with a win built by committee. At the Toyota Center, the Rockets beat Oklahoma City 116–89 on Friday 16 October, Brazzaville time. The margin is wide, but the way the scoring was spread says more about this final preseason outing: 34 assists, eight turnovers and six players with at least ten points.
A fast start, then an answer to the comeback
The Rockets won the first quarter 33–15. Oklahoma City hit back in the second, winning it 32–21 to cut the deficit to seven points at the break: 54–47. Houston's fast start alone had not yet settled the game.
The Texans held their lead after the interval and went into the final quarter at 79–69. End-of-preseason rotations then stretched the gap: Houston won the final twelve minutes 37–20. The 27-point final margin therefore combines the advantage built with the main players and the one added when the benches finished the game.
Sengun creates, VanVleet distributes, the bench finishes
Alperen Sengun combined 14 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two blocks in under 24 minutes. His ability to draw the defence and then find his teammates gave the offence another route. Amen Thompson, with 12 points, five rebounds and four assists, was able to benefit from those exchanges near the basket.
Fred VanVleet handed out eight assists despite limited accuracy: seven points on three-of-thirteen shooting. That contrast matters in Houston's preparation. The point guard was able to help organise possessions without having to finish a large share of the attacks himself.
The perimeter support came off the bench. Bogdan Bogdanovic scored 15 points, making five of eight three-point attempts. Tari Eason added 12 points on five-of-seven shooting, including two of two from long range. Reed Sheppard contributed 11 points. Kevin Durant finished on 11 points in just over sixteen minutes.
A useful rehearsal, not a verdict
Houston made 17 of 53 three-pointers, against five of 36 for Oklahoma City. Volume counted for more than exceptional accuracy: the Rockets converted only about 32% of their long-range attempts. At the other end, Jalen Williams scored 18 points and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 17, not enough to offset the Thunder's collective struggles.
The win gives Houston markers on ball-sharing and the options the bench can provide. It guarantees neither the same efficiency against settled rotations nor a lasting balance of power with Oklahoma City. The regular season will demand that Houston rediscover this support when every possession carries more weight.
Watch the game highlights
Watch the Houston–Oklahoma City highlights on YouTube
Video from the official NBA on ESPN channel · 5 min 11.