The Houston Rockets were on the brink of elimination in Game 4, down 3-0 in the series. The Rockets were looking for anything that would give them a win over the Golden State Warriors. The Rockets found their groove and took down the Warriors, 128-115, behind a big game from James Harden. Harden dropped 45 points, nine rebounds, and five assists, keeping the Rockets alive and able to see another day.
For Game 5, the series goes back to California and the Warriors will get to play in front of their fans in Oracle Arena. The Warriors were unstoppable at home, going 39-2 in the regular season at Oracle, and 6-1 at home during the postseason. This could prove to be a tough task for the Rockets, who are only 2-5 on the road in the postseason.
Despite the Rockets being down 3-1 in the series, they have found themselves in a similar situation before. Houston was down 3-1 to the Los Angeles Clippers in the last series. The Rockets did string together three straight wins and moved on to the Western Conference Finals. So, do not count the Rockets out of this series yet. Houston kept it close in the first two games, only losing by four points or less in either game. Come Game 3, the Warriors kept the Rockets silent and were blown out, 115-80.
The big question for Game 5 is the health of Stephen Curry. In Game 4, Curry took a nasty fall during the game and fell hard on his head and his arms bent in an awkward manner. Curry did not have a concussion, passing the league’s concussion test twice, and made it back out on to the floor later, but he was not the same. Hopefully, Curry is back to 100 percent for game time Wednesday night.
GAME INFORMATION
Tip Time: 9:00 PM ET
TV Coverage: ESPN
Line: GS -10.5
KEYS TO THE GAME
Houston Rockets
Start Strong Early: The Rockets have the talent to shut down any team or just score the ball at will. However, they struggle to do that when they don’t start to right out of the gate. They did in Game 4 and that is the reason why there is a Game 5. And getting everyone involved early, like Trevor Ariza, will be huge for the Rockets. If the Rockets can’t get anything going, then it will not be a fun offseason in Houston.
Lock Down the Perimeter: Without the three-ball, the Warriors are only an above average team. They need their guys to stick like glue on every possible outside shooter. If one guy leaves their guy open, then the Warriors will make you pay and begin their barrage of the three balls. If Houston can do this, then a Game 6 will be likely.
Golden State Warriors
Shut Down Harden: If Golden State can limit James Harden's shots and touches, then it will be a cakewalk for the Warriors. They were able to do that in Game 3, and the Warriors won by 35. If they can stick on Harden, then the Warriors will be celebrating with champagne tonight.
Crash the Glass: When you take a lot of three-point shots, you will be more likely to miss a lot more shots. The Warriors need to get Andrew Bogut and Draymond Green to be ready down low when Steph Curry and Klay Thompson let it fly from deep and be ready for the Rockets to miss shots. They were able to do that in Game 3 (each had 10-plus rebounds) and they easily took care of the Rockets.
There is your preview for Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals. Be sure to tune in tonight to watch as the Warriors have a chance to clinch a spot in the NBA Finals.