Harden fires for ruthless Rockets

NBA regular-season wins leader Houston — powered by James Harden’s 30 points and 27 from Chris Paul — edged defending champion Golden State 95-92 yesterday to level their semi-final playoff series at two wins each.

The Rockets snapped Golden State’s record playoff homewin streak at 16 games, the Warriors suffering their first loss since the 2016 NBA finals, and took their first playoff win over the Warriors in eight all-time tries.

“We know how hard it is to come back from 3-1,” Paul said.

“When it’s winning time, you have got to suck it up.

“We knew we needed one here and we got it.”

PJ Tucker had 16 rebounds and Clint Capella grabbed 13 for the Rockets, who host Game 5 of the best-of-seven Western Conference final tomorrow in Houston.

The series winner will face either Cleveland or Boston in the NBA finals starting May 31.

Stephen Curry led Golden State with 28 points on 10-of-26 shooting while Kevin Durant added 27 points and 12 rebounds and Draymond Green had 11 points, 14 rebounds and eight assists.

The defeat marks the first time the Warriors, seeking a third crown in four seasons, have lost twice in a playoff series since Durant joined last season.

“Now we’ve got to fight. This is now a real playoff-type experience,” Curry said.

“We’re ready for it. The vibe in the locker room is really positive when it comes to what we need to correct to win Game 5.”

Harden made 11-of-26 shots from the floor and Paul hit 10of-20 to lift the Rockets, who closed the game on a 25-10 run after falling behind 82-70.