The Western Conference Semis return to Warriors Ground with the series tied 2-2.
Game 5: Warriors vs. RocketsWednesday, May 87:30 p.m.Oracle Arena
WATCH: TNT
RADIO: 95.7 The Game, Warriors Mobile App and Warriors Radio Network
HOMEWARD BOUND
After taking their second consecutive loss in Houston, the Warriors return home to the Bay Area tied 2-2 with the Rockets in the Western Conference Series. The Dubs have lost the second quarter and been out-rebounded on both road games, so they will look to adjust for Wednesday’s game; it will be a critical one as the Warriors look to reclaim the momentum in the series in front of their home crowd.
Going to the game? Get there early!
The Warriors and Oakland A’s will host concurrent home games on Wednesday at Oracle Arena and the Oakland Alameda Coliseum. Parking lots are expected to fill quickly. Fans are encouraged to arrive early and take public transportation.
LAST TIME OUTEven though the Warriors starters totaled 97 points, the team fell just short in a down-to-the-wire 112-108 loss in Houston. » Full Recap
MATCHUP AT A GLANCE
LAST GAME'S STARTERS
GSW: Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant, Draymond Green and Andre
Iguodala
HOU: P.J. Tucker, Clint Capela, Chris Paul, James Harden and Eric Gordon
INJURY & ROSTER NOTES
GSW: DeMarcus Cousins (left quadriceps tear) and Damian Jones (left pectoral surgery) are out. Shaun Livingston (left hip soreness) is questionable. Team Notes
HOU: None. Team Notes
CLOSING THE 3-POINT GAPThe Warriors out-shot the Rockets by one attempt and shot a higher percentage than the Rockets in Game 4, but in the end the Dubs couldn’t overcome the 3-point disparity. The Warriors shot just 8-for-33 from beyond the arc, while Houston knocked down 17 treys on 50 attempts. Houston taking and making more threes than the Warriors has been a common theme throughout the series. The Rockets have averaged 16.5 made threes to the Warriors’ 10, and Houston is also shooting the three at nearly 45 percent compared to the Dubs 32 percent. By their very nature, the Rockets will shoot more threes than the Dubs, but playing on their home court, the Warriors will likely need some more of those threes to fall in order to re-gain control of the series.
TEAM PLAYOFF LEADERS
HOUSTON SCOUTING REPORT
The Rockets gained their second straight win of the Western Conference Semifinals, with their latest victory improving Houston to 5-0 at home this postseason. Houston sustained a lead throughout Game 4 with James Harden displaying a stellar performance at home, tallying a game-high 38 points and notching the 21st double-double of his playoff career. Over the past two games, Harden is averaging 39.5 points on 44.3 percent shooting after averaging 32.0 ppg on 38.3 percent shooting over the first two games of the series (35.8 ppg overall this series). Though Harden’s hustle was there, it was P.J. Tucker’s forty-two minute effort and energy that helped Houston remain confident throughout the night. Furthermore, Tucker’s leadership role was accompanied by 17 points and 10 rebounds.