The NBA Western Conference Finals continues with game 4 on Tuesday night at Oracle Arena. The Golden State Warriors lead the series 2-1 over the Houston Rockets. The two teams split the first two games in Houston before the Warriors blew out the Rockets in game 3, 126-85.
This series features the NBA’s two highest scoring teams, and both teams have an abundance of starpower. Most people believed that this would be a extremely tight, competitive series, but the first three games have been blowouts. The Rockets will be trying to take back home court advantage by defeating the Warriors in game 4. The Golden State Warriors are -6.5 over the Houston Rockets on Tuesday.
Talented Trio Carries Warriors
Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson have been playing well for the Warriors in this series, but in game 3, Stephen Curry was the hero. Curry broke out of his mini shooting slump by scoring 35 points, including an 18 point third quarter. The trio of All-Stars combined for 73 points in game 3 moving the Warriors to 4-0 this postseason when they score more than 70 points.
It was the Warriors defense that got the team going in game 3. The Warriors forced 19 turnovers and didn’t allow the Rockets to get any easy baskets. Rookie Jordan Bell got some early minutes in game 3 and played great defense against James Harden. The Warriors will look to continue to make things difficult for the Rockets offense in game 4.
Houston Must Score in Game 4
The Rockets are not a very good defensive team, and they must outscore their opponents to win. Houston committed 19 turnovers in game 3, and did not play at a pace that is needed for them to succeed. The Rockets shot just 39.5% in the loss, and they must focus on getting to the rim in order to win game 4.
Chris Paul and James Harden must be more aggressive in game 4. The duo combined for just 33 points in game 3, and shot just 12-32 combined. Coach Mike D’Antoni must come up with a game plan that allows his top players to have success against the athletic Warriors defense. If the Rockets are going to even the series, they need to make shots like they did in game 2.
Warriors Roll to 3-1 Series Lead
The Houston offense will bounce back after a very disappointing performance in game 3. The Rockets role players must provide scoring to take some pressure off of Harden and Paul. The real test will be seeing if the Rockets can play better on the defensive end and slow down the Warriors.
The Warriors are extremely difficult to beat at Oracle Arena, and Golden State knows how to win key playoff games. The Warriors were able to beat the Rockets with a slumping Curry, but now the former MVP appears to be locked in. Curry and Durant are too good for the Rockets and they will lead the Warriors to a 3-1 series lead. The Warriors will once again win in convincing fashion. Take the Golden State Warriors -6.5 over the Houston Rockets in Game 4 on Tuesday.
