December 25, 2024

Chris Paul, Thunder Rally to Win Game 3 vs. James Harden, Rockets 119-107 in OT

Harden #Harden

Mike Ehrmann/Associated Press

The Oklahoma City Thunder came roaring back to life on Saturday with a 119-107 overtime victory against the Houston Rockets in Game 3 during the first round of the Western Conference playoffs. 

Houston still leads the series 2-1, but the win is a big break for the Thunder as no team in NBA history has come back from a 3-0 series deficit. 

After winning the regular season series 2-1, the Rockets’ small-ball lineup stifled OKC in Games 1 and 2, allowing Houston to win by double digits in each outing. Saturday showed Chris Paul and company have found the necessary adjustment as he and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander combined for 49 points. 

Notable Performers

James Harden, SG, Houston Rockets:38 points, 8 assists, 7 rebounds (fouled out for first time all season)

Jeff Green, PF, Houston Rockets: 22 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 5-of-8 from three

Chris Paul, PG, Oklahoma City Thunder: 26 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, SG, Oklahoma City Thunder: 23 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists

Dennis Schroder, PG, Oklahoma City Thunder: 29 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists

What’s Next

Game 4 between the Rockets and Thunder is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 24 at 4 p.m. ET on TNT.