By Justin Batiste
We’ve finally made it here…
The day has finally come. Game 7. Houston Rockets vs. Golden State Warriors. This is a game that everyone has been waiting and wanting to see all playoffs. The two best teams in the NBA are going at it for a trip to the NBA finals. Houston and Golden State has been an anticipated western conference finals match-up all playoffs, but the question was could Houston keep up with the Warriors in a seven-game series? Well, so far that question has been answered. Houston, at one point led the series, and now they’re hosting game 7 at home.
Throughout this series the Rockets have shown us that they’re more than capable of going to the finals. James Harden and Chris Paul have been doing what’s been needed to win, the Rockets defense has been defending at a high level and the role players have not shown any fear of the moment. Especially, Eric Gordon. Gordon has been everything and more for the Rockets in this series. Gordon in this series is averaging 19.0 ppg while shooting 39% from three. In game 6, without Paul, Gordon was the second leading scorer with 19 points. He’s made his presence known all series. But even with everything going in the Rockets favor you still can’t count out the defending champs.
Especially after that game 6 performance. If that type of play carries over to game seven. This series is over. This series the Warriors haven’t looked like the Warriors we’re used to seeing. Game 6 was the closest thing to the Warriors playing like themselves. It was more so, late in the second quarter the Warriors amped things up, and after that it was all Warriors. Both teams are scary when they’re making shots, but when the Warriors are making shots they’re almost unbeatable because of how well they defend. Game 6 showed that, but Paul was also out. Andre Iguodala is still questionable for game 7. It’s unlikely he’ll play, but the Warriors did get back Patrick McCaw. Who is another defender, and can be a threat on the offensive end.
This series is almost comparable to the Celtics and Cavaliers series. The Rockets have been playing better and they’re at home. However, on the other team there are greater players, and the stakes are higher. It’s win or go home. Last night, also showed that the least likely team can win. The Rockets can definitely take game 7, but they’re going up against a team that’s been there before. Experience always helps. Something else last night’s game 7 revealed. With that being said, game 7 tonight, 8:00 central time on TNT.
