TULSA – The Thunder’s first preseason game in the state of Oklahoma was held at the BOK Center in Tulsa against the Houston Rockets. Tonight the Thunder was back in the building, celebrating the start of its 10th season of NBA basketball against the same opponent.
It was a 104-97 loss for the Thunder in its opening exhibition clash of the 2017-18 campaign, but it was a thrilling one for the crowd in Tulsa, who got the first glimpse of this deep, talented and veteran-laden squad competing against an opponent. Russell Westbrook, Patrick Patterson and Alex Abrines did not play as they recover from minor left knee ailments, but the fans had plenty to digest with the debuts of Paul George and Carmelo Anthony, along with a variety of other role players who will make an impact this season.