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The stage is set for an exciting semifinal matchup in the 2024 Emirates NBA Cup, as the Oklahoma City Thunder and Houston Rockets go head-to-head in Las Vegas on Saturday, December 14. Both teams have surprised many by making it this far, with the Thunder relying on their strong defense, while the Rockets have been fueled by the remarkable play of Alperen Sengun.
A Look at the Rockets' Journey to the SemiFinal
The Houston Rockets earned their spot in the semifinals after a thrilling onepoint win over the Golden State Warriors, with Sengun emerging as the night's hero. However, Houston's victory wasn't without its struggles. They shot a mere 22% from threepoint range and committed 16 turnovers, which made the game much closer than anticipated. Fortunately for the Rockets, the Warriors had an offnight, with star players Stephen Curry and Buddy Hield underperforming, allowing Houston to secure the win.
Despite the rough patches, the Rockets' dynamic offense has been a key factor in their success, and they will need to sharpen their performance as they face a wellcoached Oklahoma City defense in the semifinals.
Oklahoma City Thunder's Defensive Dominance
On the other side, the Oklahoma City Thunder are entering the semifinals with a decisive statement win over the Dallas Mavericks. Their defense was instrumental in their success, as they kept the Mavs’ star players, Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving, in check. OKC’s defense has been a constant strength throughout the NBA Cup, and it will be tested again when they face the Rockets’ highpowered offense led by Sengun.
The Thunder have already faced the Rockets twice this season, splitting the series 1-1. OKC dominated the first game with a 126-107 victory, but Houston triumphed in the second meeting, edging out the Thunder by just three points. In that game, the Rockets capitalized on Fred VanVleet’s ability to get to the freethrow line, resulting in Houston attempting 40 free throws. This strategy could prove pivotal once again in their semifinal matchup.
Game Details: Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Houston Rockets NBA Cup SemiFinal
Date: Saturday, December 14
Time: 17:30 ET / 14:30 PT
Venue: TMobile Arena, Las Vegas
Where to Watch the Game
You can catch the Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Houston Rockets NBA Cup SemiFinal live on TNT. For those who prefer to stream the game, options include Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV, and DirecTV Stream—all of which offer access to TNT.
As the intensity rises, both teams will look to secure their spot in the final, with the Rockets aiming to maintain their offensive firepower and the Thunder looking to stifle their opponents with tight defense. The winner will move on to the championship game, set for Tuesday, December 17.
