Thunder Fall To Houston In Preseason Opener

The Oklahoma City Thunder began the 2012 season Wednesday night, falling in preseason action to the Houston Rockets, 107-105.

Russell Westbrook led the Thunder with 19 points in 16 minutes of play, scoring 16 in the first quarter alone. Kevin Durant scored 13 in 20 minutes of action.

Cole Aldrich, Hasheem Thabeet and DeAndre Liggins all chipped in 10 points for the Thunder, with Aldrich grabbing 11 rebounds for a double-double.

Rookie Perry Jones III scored eight points and grabbed five rebounds off the bench for the Thunder.

The Rockets were led by rookie Terrence Jones, who scored 20 points. Fellow rookie Jeremy Lamb scored 12 points, while Kevin Martin scored 11 points in nine minutes of play.

The Rockets outrebounded the Thunder 49 to 38, and OKC committed 27 fouls to just 14 for Houston, leading to a 35 to 14 advantage for the Rockets in free throw attempts.

The Thunder will head to Utah to take on the Jazz Friday night at 8 p.m. CST. The Thunder will be at home taking on the Bobcats Tuesday night.