The Oklahoma City Thunder were the best team in the Western Conference a season ago, and that developed into an NBA championship soon after. However, the Houston Rockets were next best. Sure, they were 16 games back of the Thunder for the No. 1 seed, but that gap could be much closer this year after the Rockets went all-in, trading for superstar forward Kevin Durant.
Although the Thunder remain favorites to win the Larry O'Brien Trophy yet again, the Rockets could sour the Thunder's title defense by defeating them the same night their hang their championship banner. What a start to the season that would be.
USA TODAY Sports will have full coverage of the NBA season opener between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Houston Rockets. Here is everything you need to know to follow along.
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Kevin Durant produced 14 points and five rebounds for the Rockets in the first half. He shot 6-of-11 from the field and 0-of-2 from the 3-point line in 20 minutes of play. Amen Thompson and Alperen Şengün contributed with 10 points each.
