In what might have been the most-entertaining game of the 2016-17 postseason thus far, the Spurs came away with a 110-107 overtime win over the Rockets to take a 3-2 lead Tuesday night in San Antonio.
It was a huge win for the Spurs, but it was probably a bigger loss for the Rockets.
Kawhi Leonard didn’t play down the stretch for the Spurs (ankle) and the Rockets let the trio of Patty Mills, Jonathan Simmons and the he-will-play-forever Manu Ginobili beat them.
The final play of the game, a Ginobili block on James Harden, was kind of the perfect end to a roller coaster of a game for Houston. That one play exhibited just how Houston collapsed in the final 10 or so minutes.
Depth is going to hurt the Rockets without Nene. Houston only played seven players on Tuesday night and by looking and its roster, it’s hard to see that changing. Maybe Montrezl Harrell? I don’t know. The Rockets will have to play small ball from here on what which will be a challenge against LaMarcus Aldridge (who finally had a solid game, finishing with 18 points and 14 rebounds).
James Harden led Houston with 33 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists, but also had nine turnovers.
Ginobili was a +8 in 32 minutes and finished with 12 points, seven rebounds and five assists. He’s not as good as he once was, but he’s as good once as he ever was.
For the Spurs to close out the series in Houston, they’ll need something similar. Although chances are Leonard won’t shoot 8-for-21 from the field again.
Game 6 is set for Thursday in Houston at 7 p.m. The game will air on ESPN.
Tonight, we’ve got the Wizards at Celtics at 7 p.m. in Boston on TNT. I’ll take the Celtics.
Until tomorrow, good friends.