Rockets shooting for place in finals after clutch victory
ERIC Gordon sank two free throws with 2.4 seconds left as the Houston Rockets eked out a thrilling 98-94 victory over the Golden State Warriors in Game 5 of the NBA’s Western Conference finals.
The Rockets take a 3-2 series lead and have a chance to win the series tomorrow.
With the Rockets clinging to a two-point lead, Gordon sealed victory at the foul line and ended with 24 points.
The Warriors had an opportunity to pull even on their previous possession, but Draymond Green lost the ball trying a drive to the basket.
Houston won despite James Harden missing all 11 of his three-point attempts while finishing with 19 points on 5-of-21 shooting. He also committed six turnovers.
The Rockets’ other leader, Chris Paul, was on the bench for the final 22.4 seconds due to a right hamstring injury.
Houston coach Mike D’Antoni said Paul was “worried” about his status for the next game.
“He’ll be evaluated tomorrow. They’ll do whatever they can do,” D’Antoni said.
“If he’s there (for game 6), great. If he isn’t, we have enough guys . . . we’ll be all right.”
Kevin Durant led the Warriors with 29 points while Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson combined for 45 points on 16-of-31 shooting.
Each team wound up with as many turnovers as assists. The Warriors had 18 of each, the Rockets 12 of each.
Houston won despite being outshot from the floor 44.4 per cent to 37.2. Now the Warriors head home, looking to send the series back to Houston for Game 7 on Tuesday.
“We know what we’re cap- able of, we know that we can win two games,” Green said.
“Obviously, a sense that you’ve been there before is always a good feeling. You know what it takes. And then with what we’ve put out there the last two games, it could have easily been two wins.
“So we understand that and we know the things that we can improve on, and we’ll improve on those things.”