Game Thread: Thunder Hosting Rockets, 7:00 PM eastern time, December 29, 2013

[Brahmsian]

My native city's Thunder come in leading the Western Conference at 24-5, 4 1/2 games ahead of the Rockets, to whom they traded James Harden last season.

The injury to Westbrook may actually be in the Thunder's long term interest. Westbrook does appear tobe less of a "shoot first" PG than he used to be, but I still see him as better suited to the 2 than the 1. An opportunity to give other players experience at the 1 will help more than hurt.

Harden was, next to Ibaka, my favorite Thunder player before the trade,and I understand he's very popular in Houston now. The Thunder won't be able to shut him down totally but might come closer than most teams.

GO THUNDER!

 

[Johnnydollaz89]

This game would have been so much better with Westy in it.

 

[bksballer89]

It will still be good. People act like the Thunder are some terrible team without Westbrook

 

[bksballer89]

I got OKC by double digits

 

[thunderc]

I got OKC by double digits

In the first 5 minutes?

 

[bksballer89]

yeah 11-0

 

[bksballer89]

I forgot that it's harden return to OKC

 

[Brahmsian]

13-2 now for the RIGHT side of the Red River!

3 assists for Reggie Jackson already!

Good start at least.

GO THUNDER!

 

[Brahmsian]

It BITES seeing "The Beard" in an opposition uniform, but Thunder are leading 26-14 after 1.

OKC! OKC! OKC!

 

[Brahmsian]

56-44 Thunder at halftime.

5 double-digit positive plus/minuses for the Thunder, no negatives.

Casspi leading Houston with a meager +3.

Now win the 2nd half, Thunder!

 

[thunderc]

Does not bother me in the least seeing Harden on the other side. He had his chance to stay and chose not to, his choice.

 

[Lone Granger]

I wonder If Reggie Jackson will stay or leave like Harden did, to start elsewhere.

 

[thunderc]

I wonder If Reggie Jackson will stay or leave like Harden did, to start elsewhere.

Well i doubt Jackson gets a max offer like Harden but he will be hard to hang on to. Of course the Thunder will have the option to match.

 

[ripper76]

Durant is ridiculous in this game.

 

[Brahmsian]

Dwight Howard now 1 for 6 on free throws.

Thunder by 24 with less than 4 minutes in the 3d.

ENLARGE the lead, don't sit on it, Thunder!

OKC! OKC! OKC!

 

[Lone Granger]

Well i doubt Jackson gets a max offer like Harden but he will be hard to hang on to. Of course the Thunder will have the option to match.

For your sake, I hope you keep him.

 

[bksballer89]

Houston getting another ass kicking on the road

 

[Brahmsian]

I wonder If Reggie Jackson will stay or leave like Harden did, to start elsewhere.

I can't help wondering if he roots for the Oakland As in baseball.

It would be appropriate with that moniker.

 

[Brahmsian]

90-70 Thunder after 3.

Asik hasn't played at all yet, FYI.

 

[occupant]

Neither has Westbrook...or the guy that ruined his knee.