Josh Giddey attacks the rim with a nasty dunk.
Josh Christopher scored a game-high 19 points to lead the Houston Rockets to a 90-88 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA 2K23 Las Vegas Summer League on Saturday night at Thomas and Mack Center.
The game got out to a competitive start, as the Thunder led 25-21 after one quarter. The Rockets picked up the pace in the second and rallied ahead to a five-point lead by halftime. The Thunder bounced back in the third and outscored the Rockets 25-19 to reclaim a one-point advantage heading into the final frame. The game stayed tight through the fourth, but the Rockets came up clutch in the final minute to secure the hard-fought win.
Christopher did more than just score for the Rockets, logging nine rebounds, five assists and a steal. Daishen Nix followed him with 16 points, six assists and a steal, while Tari Eason tallied 14 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block. No. 3 overall pick Jabari Smith Jr. chipped in 12 points, nine rebounds, four steals and three blocks.
The Thunder boasted six players in double digits, with Jalen Williams topping the charts at 15 points, five rebounds, two steals and a block. Josh Giddey added 14 points, four rebounds and eight assists, while first-round pick Chet Holmgren filled the box score with 12 points, eight rebounds, two assists, four blocks and two steals.
Both teams are back in action on Monday, as the Rockets clash with the Spurs and the Thunder take on the Magic.