All but the first basket in the Thunder's run came after Asik joined Parsons on the bench with three fouls apiece.

NPR: Thunder Blast Rockets 120-91 In Game 1

Asik hit three of his next four and then blocked a shot by Thabo Sefolosha as Houston started extending its lead again.

NPR: Harden Powers Past Illness, Lifts Rockets 107-100

Asik went 8 for 12 from the line, extending Houston's lead to 101-92 with 3:53 remaining before Oklahoma City gave up the tactic.

NPR: Durant, Thunder Struggling To Close Out Rockets

They still had plenty of offense, getting 21 points and 11 rebounds from Omer Asik and 18 points and five 3-pointers from Francisco Garcia.

NPR: Harden Powers Past Illness, Lifts Rockets 107-100

Asik missed three of his first six free throws, and the Thunder continued fouling him intentionally even after getting within 98-92 with 4:12 remaining.

NPR: Harden Powers Past Illness, Lifts Rockets 107-100

Coach Scott Brooks said he was about to stop ordering the fouls against Asik if his team had made a shot on one particular possession.

NPR: Harden Powers Past Illness, Lifts Rockets 107-100

Pepe's breakthrough goal left Portugal little opportunity to relax as Turkey pressed for an equalizer and substitute Emre Asik headed wide when in acres of space.

CNN: Portugal impress in 2-0 win over Turkey

Harden didn't get much help the rest of his starting lineup, which features players with a total of three career playoff starts, all by center Omer Asik.

NPR: Thunder Blast Rockets 120-91 In Game 1

For long stretches this year, the Bulls lineup has featured only one starter, Luol Deng, along with Lucas, Korver and defensive stalwarts Taj Gibson and center Omer Asik.

WSJ: Bulls: Does Chicago Need Derrick Rose?

They still had plenty of offense, getting 21 points and 11 rebounds from Omer Asik and 18 points and five 3-pointers from Francisco Garcia as six players scored in double figures.

NPR: Durant, Thunder Struggling To Close Out Rockets