The Rockets played their best ball of the season last night in their biggest game of the season to date by dismantling the former winners of twelve straight, Golden State Warriors, in double overtime. The meeting between the arch nemesis of today’s Rockets had everything in it from Harden’s fourth triple-double of the year to Draymond Green going to back to an old habit. This win was sure to get the attention of national sports shows, and as a Rockets fan this win is the best one we have had in a while.

Game Summary

Durant matched his season high of 39 points to go with 13 rebounds in his debut against the Rockets as a member of the Warriors, but it was not enough to defeat the resilient Rockets on the road in Oracle Arena. This was a rematch of last years first round Western Conference playoffs, and the Rockets were very impressive in what point guard Patrick Beverly called, “”A statement win to show the whole NBA that we can compete with anybody in the league”. The teams set a new NBA record of most threes attempted in a game by both teams having 44 three pointer attempted. Lots of strong performances by Rockets players included James Hardens fourth triple double of the year, Ryan Anderson going for 29 points in his first breakout game of the year, Montrez Harrell’s double-double off the bench, Eric Gordon going for 23 points also off the bench, and Sam Dekker making some very impressive plays late in the game. This win is sure to be remembered by Rockets fans for long, and is an example of what this new look Rockets team is capable of going forward.

Star of The Game

Sam Dekker– In this game, you could have said James Harden triple-double, Ryan Anderson’s best game as a Rocket to date, Eric Gordon’s 23 points off the bench or Montrez Harrell’s double-double off the bench were worhty of consideration for best player performance, but Sam Dekker was a cut above them. Second-year Sam Dekker, who barely played last year, shined when the lights were the brightest, having 11 points, 2 steals, 8 rebounds, and 2 assists all in 26 minutes. Dekker was also the key to the biggest play of the game down 3 with 1:26 in overtime by snapping up an offensive rebound and dishing it to Eric Gordon, who hit a three to tie it up. Sam Dekker has been very impressive to start the season and is showing everyone who called him a bust because of last year, why they were wrong.

What’s Next

The Rockets take on the Nuggets tonight and will try to make this a very impressive 4-1 roadtrip before heading back to Houston to play in another marquee matchup against the Boston Celtics.

Photo: Ben Margot, Associated Press