In their second game since Chris Paul’s Grade 2 hamstring injury, the Rockets once again figured out a way to put away a playoff contender. The Oklahoma City Thunder are a defensive stalwart this season, owning the second-best total defensive rebound per game statistic at 48.6 and leading the league in 12.9 offensive boards a game. The Rockets, meanwhile, are ranked 27th in total rebounds and missing the length of Trevor Ariza and Luc Mbah a Moute to help on closeouts.
So, it was naturally a surprise when the Rockets, without their Hall of Fame point guard, were able to outrebound the Thunder 54 to 52.