Steven Adams pulled out the big physical plays but it wasn't enough as Oklahoma City Thunder went down 118-87 to the Houston Rockets in the opening match of their western conference playoff series.
The Thunder did well to hang in there with the Rockets in the first half. But the issue of Russell Westbrook not receiving enough help from the rest of his troops - something that plagued their entire regular season - reared its head again.
Westbrook who finished with 22 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists and Roberson who knocked down 18 were the Thunder's shining light but they had to scrap for every bucket with trips inside the paint extremely rare.
In contrast, the Rockets' offensive star James Harden made it to the rim with ease as the home side consistently found the mismatch.
Harden finished with a game high 37 points, furthering his stake for an MVP title while Patrick Beverly played a solid support role with a crucial 21 points.
One of the moments of the match was a screen by Adams on Beverley. Looking to pin down Westbrook, Adams used his size, completely flooring the point guard with the entire team and the crowd calling for a foul on the big Kiwi.
Newshub.