Harden, Paul combine for 57 as Rockets even series
OAKLAND, Calif. — James Harden scored 30 points, Chris Paul had 27 and the Houston Rockets sustained the latest secondhalf flurry by Stephen Curry, evening the Western Conference Finals at two games apiece with a 95-92 victory at Oracle Arena.
Curry scored 28 points and Kevin Durant added 27 points and 12 rebounds but the defending champions missed their final six shots from the floor and their NBA-record postseason winning streak at home ended at 16 games.
The Rockets shook off a 12-0 deficit to start the game and another big run by the Warriors in the third, then won it with defense down the stretch.
Paul rebounded Klay Thompson’s miss just before the final buzzer sounded for the first time and pounded the ball down in delight.
A replay review ensued and it was determined Shaun Livingston fouled Paul before the game ended, so Paul made a free throw with 0.5 seconds left.
Curry couldn’t get off a final attempt on a set play after the foul shot before the buzzer.
“I thought this is the highest level we’ve ever played defensively, without a doubt,” Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni said, “because we’re talking about the best offensive team ever.”
Game 5 is Thursday night at Houston. Golden State will play its longest playoff round after closing out its first two series in five games.
The Rockets went ahead, 85-84, with 6:03 remaining on Trevor Ariza’s 3-pointer from the baseline after being set up on a beautiful bounce pass from the opposite corner by Paul.
Golden State got the ball with 1:27 to play down 94-91 and Thompson and Curry each missed contested 3pointers.
The Warriors got another chance with 42.5 seconds left following Houston’s shotclock violation.
Curry missed a driving layup and Draymond Green pulled down the offensive rebound and was fouled by Paul, but Green converted only one free throw.