NBA Cup Semifinals: Thunder and Rockets Seek NBA Spotlight
The Thunder and Rockets face off in the NBA Cup semifinals, aiming to prove they deserve more national attention in the league.
Oklahoma City, Houston, NBA Cup, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Alex Caruso, Ime Udoka
LAS VEGAS: So, the Thunder and Rockets are going head-to-head in the NBA Cup semifinals. It’s a big deal, especially since they’re the top two teams in the West.
But honestly, you wouldn’t know it if you only watch the games on national TV. The NBA Cup is kind of like a warm-up for fans who’ve been glued to the NFL and college football.
Going into this season, the Thunder were the defending No. 1 seed and everyone thought they’d be the team to beat. Yet, they barely made it into the top 10 for nationally televised games. Houston didn’t even crack the top 20. The league seems to be focusing more on older stars and struggling teams this season.
Alex Caruso from the Thunder recently pointed out that they were set to go a whole month without a nationally televised game. That’s wild! He believes they’re one of the best teams out there and it’s a shame more people can’t see them play.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder’s star player, feels the same way. He grew up watching the big matchups and now he’s living it. He knows it’s special to be in this position and he’s ready to shine.
Gilgeous-Alexander is a must-watch player. He was second in MVP voting last season and is putting up impressive numbers this year. Defending him is no easy task, as Rockets coach Ime Udoka pointed out. They need to be more physical and not let him get comfortable.
But it’s not just about Shai. The Thunder have a ton of talent. Jabari Smith from the Rockets mentioned how tough it is to beat them because they play so unselfishly. Everyone’s looking to create for each other, which makes them a nightmare to defend.
Now, what about the Rockets? They’re starting to make a name for themselves too. Coach Udoka describes them as deep, athletic, and physical. They’re building a reputation for being tough on defense, which fans are craving more of in the NBA.
These two teams are the top defensive squads in the league. Expect a gritty game with lots of contested shots and turnovers. They faced off not long ago, and it was a nail-biter, with the Rockets winning by just three points.
Whatever happens, it’s a great opportunity for both teams to show what they can do. Caruso said it best: they have a bunch of competitive players who are ready to put their brand of basketball on display. This is what the NBA Cup is all about!