The Houston Rockets will host the Golden State Warriors in game 2 of the Western Conference Finals. The Warriors stole game 1 on the road, defeating the Rockets 119-106. This is a highly anticipated matchup of the two top teams in the NBA, and should be a very competitive series.
The Houston Rockets finished the regular season with the best record in the NBA, but the Golden State Warriors are the defending champs. Both of these teams are offensive-oriented and there will be a ton of three point shots taken during this series. The Houston Rockets are -1.5 over the Golden State Warriors in Game 2 on Wednesday.
Durant Leads Warriors Past Rockets
The Warriors have a trio of players who could lead them in scoring, but in Game 1 it was Kevin Durant leading the way. Durant poured in 37 points on 14-27 shooting to lead the Warriors to the series opening win. The Rockets tried to guard Durant with many different players, but Durant was able to torch whoever was defending him.
The Warriors are known to be a great third quarter team, and that storyline played out in game 1. Golden State came out of the halftime locker room and outscored the Rockets 31-24 in the third quarter. The Warriors turned up the defensive pressure in the 2nd half and it allowed them to open up a lead. If the Warriors continue to defend at a high level, they will make life difficult for the Rockets
Rockets Show Fatigue Late
Houston was able to even the game just before halftime, but the Rockets looked fatigue in the 2nd half. Houston was outscored 63-50 after halftime and never really threatened to beat the Warriors. The Rockets only played 8 players more than 6 minutes in game 1, and they weren’t able to keep up with the depth of the Warriors. Houston needs better play from their bench in game 2.
James Harden and Chris Paul played well for the Rockets in game 1, but they got little help from their teammates. Harden led the way with a game high 41 points on just 24 shot attempts, and Chris Paul pitched in 23 points. The rest of the Houston starters combined for just 21 points, something that they will have to improve upon in order to win game 2.
Houston Responds, Ties Series
The Warriors came into Houston looking to send a message, and they delivered in a big way in game 1. Golden State had an answer for everything that Houston threw at them, and ran away from the Rockets in the second half. The defending champs proved that they won’t go down easily.
Houston continues to try to beat teams with isolation basketball. Harden was the best player on the floor in game 1, but the Rockets didn’t get enough other players involved. Look for Mike D’Antoni to make necessary adjustments and get his team playing a more team basketball style in game 2. Houston will respond and even the series at 1-1. Bet the Houston Rockets -1.5 over the Golden State Warriors in Game 2 on Wednesday.
