Harden lifts Rockets in OT
HOUSTON — James Harden made a big 3pointer in overtime and scored 41 points, and the Rockets outlasted the Warriors 126-121 on Saturday night to cut the deficit in the Western Conference semifinals to 2-1.
A layup by P.J. Tucker put Houston up by three with about 2 minutes left and the Warriors missed shots on their next two possessions. That set up the 3-pointer by Harden with 49 seconds left that made it 124-118.
Kevin Durant made three free throws after that, but Harden added a layup to stretch the lead. Stephen Curry, who dislocated a finger in Game 2, missed a wide-open layup and Harden grabbed the rebound to secure the Rockets’ victory.
The Rockets withstood a 46-point performance from Durant and late surge by the Warriors to avoid falling into a 3-0 hole in the best-of-seven series.
Game 4 is Monday night in Houston.
Harden led the team despite recovering from injuries to both eyes he sustained in Game 2 when he was hit in the face by Draymond Green. He was feeling better Saturday, but both eyes remained bloody red in spots.
Eric Gordon added a playoff career-high 30 points with a playoff-best seven 3-pointers for the Rockets.
Curry finished with 17 points after missing two layups in overtime. Green added 19 for the Warriors.
Raptors’ Siakam out?
The Raptors said Pascal Siakam is doubtful for Sunday’s Game 4 of their Eastern Conference semifinals against the 76ers with a right calf contusion.
Siakam has been the Raptors’ second-leading scorer behind Kawhi Leonard in the playoffs, averaging 22.9 points per game.
Siakam was called for a flagrant foul when he stuck his right leg in the path of 76ers’ Joel Embiid during the fourth quarter of Thursday’s Game 3 loss. Embiid’s knee appeared to strike Siakam’s calf. Siakam left the game moments later and didn’t return.
The Raptors trail 2-1 in the series. Sunday’s game is in Philadelphia.