Less than two days after the Rockets signed him, guard Austin Rivers proved to be the best gift Houston received on Christmas.
His second-half defensive adjustments subdued Russell Westbrook and his five points in the final four minutes ensured the Rockets (18-15) would outslug the Thunder (21-12) 113-109 on Tuesday afternoon.
James Harden's 41 points led the Rockets, but Rivers kept them from losing their lead when the Thunder fought back. After going 1-for-4 through three quarters, he scored eight points in the fourth, including two 3s and a foul shot down the stretch.
Harden sealed the victory with his final basket, a floater, which forced the Thunder to call timeout and earned the Rockets the chance to bask in their efforts.