Houston takes a 64-51 halftime lead as Marcus Smart catches fire from deep.
Houston built its 13-point cushion with a 35-26 first quarter, then edged Oklahoma City 27-25 in the second. Marcus Smart supplied 15 points on 4-for-5 three-point shooting, while Jabari Smith Jr. added 14 points and six rebounds. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander kept the Thunder within reach with 18 points, but Oklahoma City still trails despite entering at 4-1; Houston is 5-1 and ranked No. 2 in the power index, ahead of the Thunder at No. 8. After the break, watch whether Gilgeous-Alexander can spark a push and whether Smart’s hot perimeter shooting keeps Houston in command.
Key Performers
Marcus Smart, Houston: 15 points, 4-for-5 from three Jabari Smith Jr., Houston: 14 points, 6 rebounds Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City: 18 points