Slow starts continue to be a conundrum for the Oklahoma City Thunder.
After trailing 14-4 to start the game against the Houston Rockets, the Thunder were never really able to threaten their lead. By the end of the first half as the Thunder trailed by 21 points, it was quite clear this was going to be their first blowout loss of the season.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way with 32 points.
The Rockets were led by Jalen Green, who finished with 28 points on 11-of-19 shooting and went 6-of-9 from three. Alperen Sengun finished with 21 points, 19 rebounds and seven assists. Jabari Smith Jr. had 15 points and 13 rebounds. Kevin Porter Jr. scored 16 points.
Let’s take a look at the best photos from the Thunder’s 118-105 loss to the Rockets.
HOUSTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 26: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder steals the ball from Alperen Sengun #28 of the Houston Rockets during the first quarter of the game at Toyota Center on November 26, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)
Nov 26, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (4) drives to the basket while Oklahoma City Thunder guard Josh Giddey (3) defends during the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) takes an inside shot while Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8) defends during the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (4) handles the ball while Oklahoma City Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins (21) defends during the second quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
HOUSTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 26: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder looks on during warmups prior to the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on November 26, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)
Nov 26, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (4) greets the fans while leaving the court following the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets center Boban Marjanovic (51) greets the fans while leaving the court following the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Isaiah Joe (11) attempts a layup while Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) defends during the fourth quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guards Kevin Porter Jr. (3) and Jalen Green (4) react on the bench during the fourth quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the fourth quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; A Houston Rockets cheerleader performs during a timeout against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the fourth quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (50) attempts an inside shot while Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (1) defends during the fourth quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) discusses a foul call with referee Brandon Adair (67) during the fourth quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets owner Tillman Fertitta walks off the court after the third quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros relief pitcher Ryan Pressley watches the action courtside between the Houston Rockets and the Oklahoma City Thunder during the third quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Tre Mann (23) handles the ball while Houston Rockets forward Kenyon Martin Jr. (6) defends during the third quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets mascot Clutch shoots midcourt shots atop a 22-foot ladder during a timeout against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the third quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kenyon Martin Jr. (6) attempts an inside shot while Oklahoma City Thunder forward Darius Bazley (55) defends during the third quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives to the basket while Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (17) defends during the third quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (4) reacts after a made basket against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the third quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins (21) brings the ball up court against the Houston Rockets during the third quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Kevin Porter Jr. (3) reacts after a made basket against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the third quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; A detail shot of sneakers worn by Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (50) against the Houston Rockets during the third quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; A detail shot of sneakers worn by Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the third quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) brings the ball up court against the Houston Rockets during the third quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Luguentz Dort (5) passes the ball against the Houston Rockets during the third quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Aleksej Pokusevski (17) waits at the scorer’s table to enter the game against the Houston Rockets during the second quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (4) handles the ball while Oklahoma City Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins (21) defends during the second quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (1) brings the ball upcourt against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) takes an inside shot against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (1) reacts after a made a three-point shot against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) elevates for a slam dunk against the Houston Rockets during the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Garrison Mathews (25) takes a three-point shot while Oklahoma City Thunder guard Isaiah Joe (11) defends during the second quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (17) takes an inside shot against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (4) drives to the basket while Oklahoma City Thunder forward Luguentz Dort (5) defends during the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) takes an inside shot against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Luguentz Dort (5) and Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (1) both battle for a rebound during the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Kevin Porter Jr. (3) brings the ball upcourt against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Eric Gordon (10) passes around the back of Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (50) during the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Kevin Porter Jr. (3) handles the ball while Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8) defends during the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets head coach Stephen Silas (center) on the bench against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (4) reacts after making a three-point shot against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (4) takes an inside shot while Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8) defends during the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) takes an inside shot against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (4) drives to the basket while Oklahoma City Thunder guard Josh Giddey (3) defends during the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daignault watches the action on the court against the Houston Rockets during the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kenyon Martin Jr. (6) prior to the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; The Houston Rockets stand during the national anthem prior to the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets center Boban Marjanovic (51) takes a shot in warmups prior to the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) takes a shot in warmups prior to the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Kevin Porter Jr. (3) takes a shot in warmups prior to the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; A detail shot of sneakers worn by Houston Rockets forward Kenyon Martin Jr. (6) prior to the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Josh Christopher (9) takes a shot in warmups prior to the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kenyon Martin Jr. (6) takes a shot in warmups prior to the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Josh Christopher (9) prior to the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Daishen Nix (15) takes a shot in warmups prior to the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (1) takes a shot in warmups prior to the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (1) takes a shot in warmups prior to the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (1) prior to the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Usman Garuba (16) prior to the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Ousmane Dieng (13) takes a shot in warmups prior to the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Ousmane Dieng (13) prior to the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
HOUSTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 26: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder dribbles the ball during the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on November 26, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 26: Jalen Green #4 of the Houston Rockets shoots over Aaron Wiggins #21 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the game at Toyota Center on November 26, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 26: Jalen Green #4 of the Houston Rockets reacts after a dunk during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Toyota Center on November 26, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 26: Jabari Smith Jr. #1 of the Houston Rockets looks on from the bench during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Toyota Center on November 26, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 26: The Houston Rockets mascot Clutch shoots a half court shot from on top of a ladder during a break during the game between the Houston Rockets and the Oklahoma City Thunder at Toyota Center on November 26, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 26: Kevin Porter Jr. #3 of the Houston Rockets shoots a three point shot over Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the game at Toyota Center on November 26, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 26: Jalen Green #4 of the Houston Rockets shoots over Luguentz Dort #5 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the game at Toyota Center on November 26, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 26: Jalen Green #4 of the Houston Rockets looks on after defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder at Toyota Center on November 26, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 26: Jalen Green #4 of the Houston Rockets dribbles the ball during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Toyota Center on November 26, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 26: Alperen Sengun #28 of the Houston Rockets dribbles against Jeremiah Robinson-Earl #50 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the game at Toyota Center on November 26, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 26: Alperen Sengun #28 of the Houston Rockets shoots over Jeremiah Robinson-Earl #50 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the game at Toyota Center on November 26, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 26: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder scores as Alperen Sengun #28 and Garrison Mathews #25 of the Houston Rockets defend during the second quarter of the game at Toyota Center on November 26, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 26: Jabari Smith Jr. #1 of the Houston Rockets shoots a three point shot over Josh Giddey #3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter of the game at Toyota Center on November 26, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 26: Isaiah Joe #11 of the Oklahoma City Thunder shoots a three point shot over Kevin Porter Jr. #3 of the Houston Rockets during the second quarter of the game at Toyota Center on November 26, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 26: Tre Mann #23 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives to the basket whilst Usman Garuba #16 of the Houston Rockets defends during the second quarter of the game at Toyota Center on November 26, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 26: Alperen Sengun #28 of the Houston Rockets drives to the basket during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Toyota Center on November 26, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 26: Jabari Smith Jr. #1 of the Houston Rockets shoots over Josh Giddey #3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter of the game at Toyota Center on November 26, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 26: Jabari Smith Jr. #1 of the Houston Rockets laughs at the line during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Toyota Center on November 26, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 26: Josh Giddey #3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder shoots over Kevin Porter Jr. #3 of the Houston Rockets during the second quarter of the game at Toyota Center on November 26, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 26: Jalen Green #4 of the Houston Rockets reacts after sinking a three point shot in the first quarter of the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Toyota Center on November 26, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 26: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder signals during the first quarter of the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on November 26, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 26: Jalen Green #4 of the Houston Rockets dribbles as Jalen Williams #8 of the Oklahoma City Thunder defends during the first quarter of the game at Toyota Center on November 26, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 26: Kevin Porter Jr. #3 of the Houston Rockets reacts after a play during the first quarter of the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Toyota Center on November 26, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 26: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder lays the ball up against #28 of the Houston Rockets in the first quarter of the game at Toyota Center on November 26, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 26: Jalen Green #4 of the Houston Rockets dribbles the ball during the first quarter of the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Toyota Center on November 26, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)
Story originally appeared on Thunder Wire
