Houston Rockets: 3 takeaways from Game 5 vs. Jazz

2. The supporting cast steps up

After giving up 32 points to the Jazz in the third quarter, the Rockets received some help late from several key reserves in the last 12 minutes of regulation that helped them to march back in front.

During the early onset of the fourth quarter, Gerald Green hit a huge 3-pointer to give the Rockets a narrow two-point advantage, followed by a steal and dunk to help ignite an 11-5 run. It also sent Houston’s crowd into a loud uproar, as the hometown hero alongside of Luc Mbah a Moute, made several big-time plays off the bench to help them come out on top.

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"“Everybody has had their moment in this series,” D’Antoni said in regards to the contributions Houston has received from their role players over the last three games. “We have a lot of guys that aren’t afraid of stepping up.”"

While the final box score of Game 5 might not grant them their official just due, the play of Green and the rest of the Rockets’ supporting cast proved to be vital in the latter stages of the ballgame. This helped provide Chris Paul with the opportunity to play the role of closer later in the quarter, as Green’s spurt combined with the defense of Mbah a Moute and Clint Capela gave Houston the edge in a tight game.