The Thunder have been in the playoffs since 2009 In the 2009-2010 Season, they had a 6 game playoff series vs the Lakers in which they lost on their home court...in game 6(close game 95-94 Lakers). Lakers were up 6 at the break. In game 6, the 3 highest scorers from OKC were: Durant: 26 pts(5-23); Jeff Green 16(6-12); Westbrook 21(7-20) In the 2010-2011 Season, they had played in 3 series: Denver in the first round (4-1 Win), Memphis(4-3 Win), and Dallas (4-1 loss). When looking at game 6 of the Memphis Series, Memphis was down in the series 3-2 and playing at home. In game 6, the 3 highest scorers from OKC were: Westbrook: 27(11-22); Harden 14 (5-10); and Durant 11 (3-14). Durant was plagued with foul trouble in the game. OKC lost 95-83 to Memphis, who were down 10 at the break. In the 2011-2012 Season they went to the finals. In the 4 series that were played, they only had one matchup that went to game 6(San Antonio series). Game 6 was played in OKC. In the first half San Antonio dominated in the 1st quarter and was up 15 at the break, and then in the 3rd and 4th quarter, OKC responded, and eventually beat San Antonio 107 -99. The 3 highest scorers from OKC were: Durant 34(9-17) Westbrook 25(9-17) and Harden 16(4-9). James Harden took over in the 2nd half and helped close out the Spurs. So in OKC's young playoff history, they have had 3 game 6's before(1-1 at home and 0-1 on the road). Harden and Westbrook has meant a ton to KD. But without them both this year, he is still searching for that consistent 2nd option. But here in lies that problem. That second option has to score a lot and that third option has to have timely buckets. Kevin Martin, Ibaka, Fisher, Thabo, and Reggie Jackson have all been subpar since Westbrook has been down. In order for the Rockets to win, they need to make sure to continue that trend. The key has always been to let Durant score, but make sure that others arent hurting you. So far, these young Rockets have done an excellent job keep the 2nd and 3rd options from OKC at bay. If the Rockets manage to win game 6, the Rockets will have all the momentum and OKC will have a ton of pressure in game 7 to win at home. This game 6 will have significant implications for the psyche and moral of last years Western conference champs. I hope the Rockets can be the ones to make history. Would be really nice to an already amazing season. Go Rockets!!!!
