Rockets routed by OKC, 124-94

Posted: December 29, 2012 -- 11:44 p.m. CST.

HOUSTON, TX (Toyota Center) – The Houston Rockets played the Oklahoma City Thunder close for 20 minutes in the first half; but, the Thunder used a 16-0 run in the final four minutes of the half to lead 68-50 at halftime. The Rockets never recovered; and, the Rockets were crushed 124-94 by the Thunder in front of 18,460 fans.

"We turned it over again. It was a 2 point game," Kevin McHale said after the game. "I'm not sure how much time it was in the second (quarter) and then they went on a 16-0 run and during that time, we turned it over, we didn't take good shots. I told the guys there's a flow in the game and you got to recognize that flow sometimes and you gotta know when it's time to make the extra pass, when it's time to be extra careful with the ball. When teams are making runs, let's get to the line. Let's do this, let's do that. We got none of that tonight then I think we just kind of gave in tonight. I thought after that we had a hard time generating much energy. I don't know when it's become such a big deal to play four games in five nights."

Rockets' fans may cite the blowout loss as a circumstance of playing four games in five nights; but, McHale refused to use that as an excuse.

"As I said before the game, we aren't laying brick in a 110 degree weather," McHale added. "We're playing basketball. Since everybody has played basketball when they've been a little bit tired. You just got to go out and push through it."

OKC head coach Scott Brooks said, "We played well and they didn't play as well as they have been playing. The last two games they played two of the fastest teams in the NBA and it was a tough night for them. We played and everything was clicking, shots we were moving the ball and playing good defense. We do what we do and we just try to do it very efficiently. Both teams are fast and like to get up and down the court and attack. We try to defend and run every time down the court. We have guys that can do that and that’s how we play. The Rockets had a tough time tonight but that’s not about what they’ve been doing all year."

The Rockets turned the ball over 24 times while the Thunder committed 21 turnovers. OKC scored 32 points off the Rockets' turnovers compared to the Rockets 17 points off OKC's miscues.

The Rockets (16-14) trailed by as many as 34 points; but, forward Marcus Morris did score a career-high 24 points in the game.

"I just felt like I had to have a good one," said Morris after the game. "I came in last night and got some shots up. We were on the road (last night) so I wanted to have a chance to get my feel back. It would have been better if we had won. Anytime somebody has a good game it's always better when you could win the game."

James Harden scored a team-high 25 points; but, Harden made just six of his 17 field goal attempts.

Russell Westbrook dominated his matchup with Jeremy Lin. Westbrook scored 28 points (11 for 22 field goals); pulled down eight rebounds and dished out eight assists) while Lin scored seven points (3 for shooting) and added two boards and seven assists.

Westbrook discussed the keys to the 16-0 run.

"Defend, the first quarter we were just going back and fourth and then our team decided to play defense, and that was the key," Westbrook said. "We were trying to be aggressive. They lead the league in scoring and they score the ball high on a nightly basis. I f you can defend and score the ball as well as they do, then you have an advantage. We did a good job playing team defense. We know we need to defend and come out every night on the defensive end and that’s the way we have to play all the time."

Westbrook's 28 points are a game-high; and, Kevin Durant scored 26 points.

The Rockets were dominated on the boards (53-36).

Toney Douglas scored 17 points off the Rockets' bench; and, just like Kevin McHale, Douglas refused to blame the loss on fatigue.

"I don't want to make excuses and say it was fatigue but this is a part of the league. We have 82 games. We're going to have to (play) no matter what. Everybody is playing back to back so we have to man up and take care of our bodies and get ready to play every night."

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