Pro Sports

Wood helps Rockets rout Thunder 124-91 in home opener

Posted October 22, 2021 7:00 am

The Associated Press

The Houston Rockets bench signals three after the three-point basket by center Christian Wood (35) during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Friday, Oct. 22, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke) The Associated Press

HOUSTON (AP) - Christian Wood had 31 points and 14 rebounds and Houston beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 124-91 on Friday night in the Rockets' home opener.

Oklahoma City had few answers for Wood, who went 13 for 19 from the field, including 4 of 6 from the 3-point line. Fourth in Most Improved Player voting last season, he also blocked four shots and had a steal.

The Rockets looked much better than they did in their 124-106 season-opening loss in Minnesota on Wednesday night.

Kevin Porter Jr. had 18 points and nine assists. Veteran shooting guard Eric Gordon scored 22 points on 4-of-6 shooting from 3, and Jae'Sean Tate had 16 points, 14 rebounds and five assists.

Second-overall draft pick Jalen Green had nine points in his home debut. Alperen Sengun, the 16th overall pick, had six points and five rebounds off the bench. Including Green, Sengun, and fellow first-round picks Josh Christopher and Usman Garuba, the Rockets played four 19-year-olds.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Mike Muscala led Oklahoma City with 13 points apiece, and Kenrich Williams scored 12 points off the bench. Oklahoma City shot just 37% from the field and made 9 of 16 free throws.

Houston dominated Oklahoma City in the paint, outscoring the Thunder 58-34 and winning the rebounding battle 53-40.

The Rockets jumped to a double-digit lead early and led 33-21 at the end of the first quarter and led 69-47 at halftime.

The Thunder fell to 0-2 after dropping their opener to Utah on Wednesday night.

TIP-INS

Thunder: Oklahoma City allowed 21 second-chance points to the Rockets and scored only 11 second-chance points. '¦ Luguentz Dort had eight points on 3-of-9 shooting in 27 minutes.

Rockets: Danuel House Jr. made his season debut after missing the opener for an unspecified personal reason. House had two points and three rebounds in 11 minutes off the bench.

UP NEXT

Thunder: Host Philadelphia on Sunday.

Rockets: Host Boston on Sunday.

Houston Rockets center Daniel Theis (27) reaches in against a drive to basket by Oklahoma City Thunder guard Josh Giddey, left, during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Oct. 22, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke) The Associated Press

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Darius Bazley, left, and Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (0) become entangled as they battle for a rebound during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Oct. 22, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke) The Associated Press

Houston Rockets center Christian Wood, center, has his shot blocked by Oklahoma City Thunder forward Darius Bazley (7) as guard Josh Giddey (3) looks on during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Oct. 22, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke) The Associated Press

Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun, left, pulls in a rebound past Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kenrich Williams, right, during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Oct. 22, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke) The Associated Press

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Darius Bazley, right, drives to the basket in front of Houston Rockets center Daniel Theis (27) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Oct. 22, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke) The Associated Press

Houston Rockets guard Kevin Porter Jr., front, gets to the ball in front of Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, back, during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Oct. 22, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke) The Associated Press

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