NBA Western Conference playoffs
Huston Rockets 98-94 GSW
Toyota Centre, Huston
Rockets lead best of 7 series, 3-2.
The Golden State Warriors are facing a first conference finals’ loss in four years after losing 98-94 to Huston Rockets in game five of the Western Conference.
Like it was in game four, things went down to the wire again , and the Warriors had the ball with a chance to win it or send things to overtime. But they turned it over, with Draymond Green dropping a pass from Stephen Curry. Eric Gordon went on to hit two free throws on the other end to steal a second successive win.
If game four was a shock to everyone as the Rockets came back from a double figure (12) deficit in the final quarter, they have now flipped the series 3-2 in their favour which i don’t think many would have anticipated especially after the masterclass by Warriors against the Pelicans in The semis.
It was not the best of games early on as both side struggled at making shot but It was a close contest as neither team could gain much of an advantage throughout the 48 minutes.
Gordon was the biggest factor, finishing with 24 points off the bench which the Rockets much needed on night when star man, James Harden was poor from range.
Chris Paul led the way for the Rockets with a team second high 20 points, seven rebounds and six assists despite injuring his leg in the final quarter.
The two teams shot a mere 16 of 45 in the first quarter, combining for only 40 points in one of the worst conference finals’ first quarter in terms of shooting.
Things started to pick up a bit in the second quarter. It still wasn’t the best basketball these two teams can play. But despite the big plays for the Rockets, the Warriors got right back into the game. At the break the two teams were tied at 45-45.
Nothing much could be settled in the third quarter, as both teams continued to struggle from the field, and the biggest lead either side had in the frame as just three points.
Again there wasn’t much between the two teams in the fourth quarter, as things went down to the wire, just like they did in Game 4. Once again, the Warriors had a chance to win it in the final seconds, but Draymond Green bobbled a pass from Curry and turned the ball over. The Rockets went down the court and hit two free throws to seal the win.
“We had to relay on our defence once again, said Rockets captain James Harden.
“Just like in game 4, we were not making shots but defensively were good, the same thing tonight.
“We will go into game six and approach it the same way we have been doing in the other games.
“Every game is different so we have to be ready to go.
The Rockets are one win away from a first conference win since 1995, the best last year that they also won the NBA championship.
Game six will be played on Sunday morning.
The games played in best of seven series so far.
Game 1. Huston 106 – 119 GSW
Game 2. Huston 127 – 105 GSW
Game 3. GSW 126 – 85 Huston
Game 4. GSW 92-94 Huston
Game 5. Huston 98-94 GSW
In the other final, Boston Celtics will travel to the Cleveland Cavaliers in game six of the Eastern Conference Finals at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland-Ohio.
Boston leads the best of seven series in the East 3-2 with two games to play.
