The Houston Rockets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder matchup might not be the NBA Cup semifinal the league envisioned, but it could very well be a glimpse into the future of the Western Conference.
The Thunder, having shocked the league last season and earned the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference, are now accustomed to being the team to beat. They may not be surprising anyone this year, but they remain the deepest and most dangerous squad in the conference, even without Chet Holmgren, who has been sidelined for over a month due to a hip fracture.
For many franchises, the “next man up” mentality is more hopeful than realistic. However, with a leader like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, it’s a given for Oklahoma City. With the Thunder’s depth, it’s an outright expectation.
The Thunder have thrived despite Holmgren’s absence, going 11-3 and currently holding a 19-5 overall record, positioning them once again as the No. 1 seed. They reached the NBA Cup semifinals as the top seed in the West, boasting a 3-1 record in group play and defeating the Dallas Mavericks 118-104 to advance to Las Vegas. Gilgeous-Alexander is determined to leave with a victory.
Averaging 30.2 points and 6.3 assists, Gilgeous-Alexander ranks fourth in the league. Jalen Williams has also emerged as a crucial player, averaging 21.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game. Isaiah Hartenstein, who stepped into Holmgren’s role, averages 11.6 points and 12.8 rebounds per game since his Thunder debut on November 20.
The Rockets find themselves in a position similar to last season’s Thunder, with their rise being even more surprising. Despite early struggles, Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun have shown significant promise. Houston’s commitment to their young duo is paying off, as they hold a 17-8 record, second only to the Thunder in the West, and have won seven of their last 10 games. Green leads the team with 19.2 points per game, while Sengun averages 18.8 points and 10.6 rebounds.
The Rockets secured the West’s No. 2 seed in knockout play by going 3-1 in the group stage. They advanced to Las Vegas with a dramatic and controversial 91-90 victory against the Golden State Warriors, as a loose-ball foul sent Green to the line for game-winning free throws with 3.5 seconds remaining.
Houston’s defensive performance has established them as one of the league’s toughest units. Saturday’s semifinal provides another opportunity to prove themselves against a Thunder defense regarded by many as the league’s best. They’re exceptional at creating turnovers and drawing players into a crowd, effectively protecting the paint at a high level.
