NBA wrap: Houston Rockets levels series with Warriors

James Harden and the Rockets evened the Western Conference Finals against the Warriors.

Published : May 17, 2018 09:40 IST

James Harden of Houston Rockets shoots against the Golden State Warriors.
James Harden of Houston Rockets shoots against the Golden State Warriors.
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James Harden of Houston Rockets shoots against the Golden State Warriors.

The Rockets evened the Western Conference finals on Wednesday with a 127-105 Game 2 win over the Warriors.

Houston outscored the defending NBA champions in every quarter and led by 14 points at halftime. The Warriors made a little run to begin the third quarter, but the Rockets stamped out the threat with a big fourth quarter.

James Harden led the Rockets with 27 points, 10 rebounds and three assists. The MVP finalist struggled from the field (9-of-24 shooting), but helped organize the offense.

P.J. Tucker added 22 points and seven rebounds for the Rockets, while Eric Gordon scored 27 points (6 of 9 from 3-point range) off the bench. Tucker's energy early in the game set the tone for Houston on both ends of the court.

The Rockets looked overmatched in Game 1, but their backcourt won the battle Wednesday. If Houston can continue to lock down Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, they could end Golden State's reign out West.

Stud of the Night:

Warriors forward Kevin Durant scored a game-high 38 points while draining 13 of 22 from the field in their Game 2 loss. Durant helped the Warriors make a quick rally to start the third quarter, but the rest of Golden State's star-studded lineup failed to show up.

Dud of the Night:

Thompson runs hot and cold as shots are sometimes hard to find when Stephen Curry and Durant both play. But Thompson had his opportunities Wednesday, but scored just eight points on 3 of 11 shooting.

What's Next:

Eastern Conference finals: Celtics (2-0) at Cavaliers (0-2) — The young Celtics have used a nice blend of athleticism, balanced scoring and stingy defense to put the three-time East champs in a tough hole. LeBron James has been his usual stellar self, but his supporting cast has regressed to their first-round form. Back in Cleveland, Game 3 is a must win for the Cavaliers.

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