By Justin Batiste
The Rockets steal one on the road to tie the series at two games apiece
Last night showed that the Rockets don’t fear the fact that they’re going up against the defending champs in the Golden State Warriors. The Rockets made a statement last night and gave the Warriors all they could handle in a crucial game 4.
Late third quarter, when the game seemed to be getting out of reach after the Warriors made their run. The Rockets showed toughness on the road and rallied back to defeat the Warriors 95-92. Sending the series back to Houston tied at two games apiece.
This game had a steady pace to it. It was very well balanced. Especially on the offensive end. Lately in this series the story line has been about the offensive dominance of particular players or teams. In this game there was a different unexpected story line. The story line was the Rockets were the better defensive team last night. Which is why they were able to win in Golden State. James Harden and Chris Paul were excellent last night, but it was the defense of the Rockets that propelled them to a victory.
The Rockets made everything difficult for the Warriors on the offensive end. Normally when the Warriors aren’t draining three’s it’s because they’re off. Well, tonight they weren’t draining three’s because the Rockets were in their face on almost every shot attempt. It’s the Warriors. So of course, they’re going to get their open shots here and there, but for the most part the Rockets were on everything the Warriors did last night. Especially, to end the game. The Warriors couldn’t seem to get an open shot, and the Rockets capitalized on the bad shot selection of the Warriors down the stretch which ultimately led to a victory.
What makes this Rockets team so dangerous on defense is that their able to go big or small just like the Warriors. The Rockets are able to play defense identical to the Warriors. Meaning, their able to switch everything. The Rockets have players that can guard all five positions, and Clint Capella, Rockets center has been nothing short of spectacular. He’s making his presence known on the defensive end by his ability to switch pick and rolls and stay in front of the quicker guards, and his shot blocking. The Rockets last night, showed that they can match the intensity of the Warriors defensively. Offensively, we knew how solid the Rockets were. It was their defense that was questionable.
It’s going to be interesting to see what adjustments the Warriors make for game 5. Mainly, on the offensive end. That’s where they struggled at the most last night. Turnovers also hurt this Warriors team. Last night, was not a championship performance by the Warriors. However, this isn’t March Madness the Warriors will have a chance to redeem themselves Thursday in Houston.
