Rockets news: Mike D'Antoni makes bold promise after Game 6 loss vs Thunder

After failing to close out the first-round series with the Thunder, Rockets coach Mike D'Antoni made a bold promise about Game 7.

After failing to close out the first-round series with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets head coach Mike D'Antoni made a bold promise that they'll come out stronger in Game 7.

The Rockets lost to the Thunder in Game 6, 104-100. It was a messy end game, especially for the Rockets. And this might have been the direct cause of the Thunder's victory. D'Antoni is well-aware of this. And he vows to respond in the final game of the series.

Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni on Game 7 mentality after Game 6 loss to Thunder: “We’re going to respond. We’ll clean up some things. We can’t play much worse.” pic.twitter.com/dOoWQUPVBW

— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) September 1, 2020

The Rockets had a total of 22 turnovers as opposed to 19 by the Thunder. The margin wasn't that large but the Rockets' turnovers came at critical moments of the game. Perhaps the biggest one was by Russell Westbrook in the final seconds when the Rockets had a chance to tie the game or take the lead. Westbrook had a total of seven turnovers.

It also didn't help the Rockets that veteran guard Chris Paul showed up for OKC. He finished with 28 points, seven rebounds, and three assists. He didn't turn the ball over once and also hit some big shots in the fourth to keep the Thunder close and give them enough momentum. Danilo Gallinari, too, came up big with 25 points and five rebounds.

The winner of the matchup will face the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Semis. As expected, the series is going down to the wire via a Game 7. Being the higher-seeded team and a favorite of some to win the title, it looks like it's the Rockets' series to lose. Simply put, they need to show up and prove that they're the better team.

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