25-point comeback! Rockets avoid consecutive losses, Sengun scores 17+9, Jalen 12+2, rookie Sheppard 11+4

NBA preseason action continues intensely, featuring a spotlight Western Conference clash where the Thunder welcome the Rockets at home. In their preseason opener, the Rockets fell 113-122 to the Jazz, yet the team's collective potential is still encouraging, particularly Jalen Green, who demonstrated smarter offensive decisions and more efficient performance. Sengun and Thompson are also improving comprehensively, especially the latter, though rookie Sheppard needs more time to adapt and integrate.

Both teams saw key players return in this game. For the Rockets, Dillon rejoined the starting lineup, but VanVleet was absent. The Thunder welcomed back their top player SGA, with new addition Caruso starting. In the first quarter, the Rockets' shooting was generally mediocre, especially from beyond the arc, hitting only 1 of 6 three-point attempts. With outside shooting struggling, the Rockets relied on driving inside to create opportunities. Jalen Green missed all 5 shots this quarter but earned 4 free throws, scoring 3 points. The Thunder focused on perimeter offense, sinking 6 three-pointers, while inside attempts were limited but efficient, making 3 of 4 shots. After the first quarter, the Thunder led 29-20 by 9 points.

In the second quarter, the Rockets began pushing to close the gap, generating numerous shooting chances both inside and outside, even tying the score briefly. However, the Thunder surged late, with SGA orchestrating the offense comprehensively, shooting 5-for-3 for 9 points plus 4 assists, leading a wave of attacks to widen the difference again. At halftime, the Thunder led 60-47, up by 13 points!

After switching sides, the Thunder started rotating out their main players, and their offense stalled, often ending with direct outside shots but with lower accuracy. The Rockets kept their core lineup on court, showing Udoka's strong desire to win this game, and the players responded effectively. Sengun took only one shot this quarter but drew frequent fouls inside for many free-throw opportunities. A Rockets rally narrowed the gap to 5 points, though Jalen Green's shooting touch noticeably cooled this period, scoring zero points in the quarter. Late in the quarter, the Rockets removed all starters, likely signaling they were done for the game.

The fourth quarter essentially featured the Thunder's third unit against the Rockets' second unit. Both teams played straightforward, open offense, largely relying on raw player talent, where the Rockets' second unit clearly held the edge, overtaking the score. But Thunder players later regained their touch from the three-point line, launching a run to retake the lead, though the margin remained small. McVeigh hit a buzzer-beating two-pointer, sending the game into overtime. In overtime, the Rockets surged ahead early and ultimately defeated the Thunder, completing a 25-point comeback to avoid back-to preseason losses, with the final score 122-113.

Sengun continued his all-around performance in this game, playing 22 minutes for 17 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals; Jalen Green had 12 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists; Sheppard shot 5-for-7 for 11 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists, showing clear improvement. For the Thunder, SGA posted 15 points, 2 rebounds, and 6 assists; Jalen Williams had 15 points and 3 rebounds; Chet contributed 10 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists.