Defense and details lead Rockets in Game 2 victory over Thunder

Houston Rockets James Harden (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Houston Rockets James Harden (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Chris Paul #3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder passes the ball against Eric Gordon#10 and P.J. Tucker #17 Houston Rockets (Photo by Kim Klement-Pool/Getty Images) /

Unsung heroes for the Rockets

P.J. Tucker went 4-for-4 from 3-point land in the contest, and he made big corner threes for the Rockets in close situations. This should come as no surprise, however, as Tucker led the NBA in corner 3-point shots made with 95.

Tucker was also ready to step up when the Rockets needed it most, as he finished with 14 points for the Rockets, which was a welcome contribution.

Eric Gordon did not have a great game when it came to his shooting, but was still able to penetrate inside the paint. Gordon was able to force the issue, as he made tough layups on the Thunder’s zone defense, leading to 12 points inside the paint.

The Thunder still do not have an answer for Gordon’s penetration, as he scored 15 points for the Rockets.

EG with the strong move @reliantenergy l #OneMission pic.twitter.com/PmN0r9qoWY

— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) August 20, 2020

Jeff Green and Austin Rivers were huge off the Rockets’ bench, as they both combined for 26 points and shot 50 percent from 3-point land.

Rivers started the game off with a ferocious attack to the basket over CP3. Green shot two important shots during the Rockets’ final run against the Thunder.

Green has been able to run the point and make a difference offensively for the Rockets.

https://twitter.com/HoustonRockets/status/1296542341961076741?s=20

Green’s renaissance has been on full display with the Rockets, and he’s been a load for the Thunder to handle, due to his versatility.

Next: Rockets' defense stepped up when it mattered most