Warriors squeak a win over the Rockets, 99-98, lead series 2-0

By F.D. Purcell

Antioch Herald

Golden State led by as much as 17 points in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals, however they would find themselves battling down to the last seconds of Wednesdays game but would scrape a win by the score of 99-98.

After trailing early in the game the Warriors rallied to a 17-point lead, in the first half before heading into halftime tied at 55.

Steph Curry ended the game with a third of the Warriors points at 33, including five three-point shots, out of 11 attempts. Center Andrew Bogut had the next most points for the team, with 14, followed closely by Klay Thompson with 13 and Draymond Green with 12.

Head Coach Steve Kerr talked about Houston losing by a closer margin in the playoffs, as opposed to the regular season.

This is how the playoffs go. You’re playing great teams,” he said. “You’re playing teams that are generally a lot more in tune with game planning and preparation, and generally speaking healthier.” “Houston is healthier than what we saw in the regular season,” Kerr added.

Rockets center Dwight Howard who banged knees with teammate Josh Smith in Game 1 was listed as questionable for Thursday’s game but showed no signs of injury, finishing with 19 points.

I just tried to play as hard as I could, tonight,” he stated. “I didn’t think about it at all. See how it feels tomorrow, but I just wanted to play this game for my teammates – all I could give them, despite whatever happened with my knee.”

James Harden’s offense kept Houston in the game, as well as their strong defense.

Although they are up 2-0, Golden State fans best not get comfortable like Clippers’ fans did in the Western Conference Semi-Finals. Houston climbed out of a hole doing what only a few NBA teams have done and rose from a 3-1 deficit to win that series.

We’re playing a lot better, as well, too,” said Harden about keeping their confidence in spite of trailing the Warriors 0-2 in the series. “We had plenty of opportunities to win both of the games, so we have all the confidence in the world.”

With Golden State’s consecutive 130th sell-out crowd of 15,596 at ORACLE Houston stayed in the Warriors rear view mirror throughout the second half. With the game winding down the Rockets went on a 6-1 run with a little over 40 seconds left. But Harden would end up coughing up the ball on the final play of the game.

It is just unfortunate that we didn’t get a shot up but they made a great play at the end of the game to get a stop and get a win,” said Rockets veteran Trevor Ariza.

In the NBA, as with all sports, a win is a win. However, Warriors forward Draymond Green feels the Dubbs haven’t played well.

“We haven’t played well, at all,” he shared. “We haven’t put it all together, yet. But it’s like that sometimes. To be up here sitting 2-0 that’s big.”

Houston looks to make up for the two losses at ORACLE in their next two games at home Saturday and Monday.

Follow F.D. Purcell @sportsinthebay_


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