Rockets Defeat Warriors in Game 5, 98-94, Take 3-2 Series Lead

The Houston Rockets defeated the Golden State Warriors, 98-94, in Game 5 of the
Western Conference Finals at Toyota Center on Thursday. In a series with very
few competitive games, this was easily the tightest matchup thus far. While
Houston held the lead for the entirety of the first half, there were nine ties
and 16 lead changes in the second half, as neither club led by more than six
points for the final 27 minutes of action. The key for the Rockets was their
defense, as they held the Warriors to 44 percent from the field and 39 percent
from three-point range while winning the turnover differential, 16-10. It’s not
like Houston’s offense was any better though, as they hit just 37 percent from
the field and 30 percent from long range. Bench production was also critical for
the Rockets, as they got 33 combined points from their two bench players while
the Warriors five bench players combined for just four total points. The
Warriors (2-3) were led by Kevin Durant, as he tallied 29 points and four
rebounds. Klay Thompson amassed 23 points and four boards. Stephen Curry
finished with 22 points, seven rebounds, six assists and four steals. Draymond
Green was the only other Warrior with more than four points, as he collected 12
points, 15 rebounds and four assists. The Rockets (3-2) big two really
struggled, as Chris Paul and James Harden combined to go just 11-of-40 from the
field. With that said, Harden finished with 19 points, three rebounds, four
assists and two steals while Paul accrued 20 points, seven rebounds, six assists
and three steals. Clint Capela totaled 12 points and 14 boards. Eric Gordon was
huge off the bench, as he provided 24 points, four rebounds and two steals. Game
6 will be in Golden State on Saturday, as Houston will look to avoid a Game 7,
which would be played on Monday.