In a matchup with the NBA's top-rebounding, top paint-scoring team, the Rockets were happy to counter with the usual measures. They went small. This time, they could do it with reason to expect success even against the strength of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
In the final regular-season meeting of the teams, the Rockets had no choice with Ryan Anderson out with a sprained ankle. Trevor Ariza played power forward offensively with James Harden defending at power forward and guard Eric Gordon starting. The Rockets led by 25 on the way to a 137-125 win.
Anderson was back in the starting lineup on Sunday, but with an eight-man rotation – with Gordon, Lou Williams and Nene off the bench – the Rockets also had to use the lineup they often call on with the second unit and used extensively in the most recent regular-season game against the Thunder.