On an evening where two of the game’s top squads took center stage by themselves, the Houston Rockets found a way to prevail in captivating fashion.
In a playoff bout where two former teammates and three of the last four NBA MVPs happened to collide once again on center stage, Houston Rockets star guard James Harden would manage to successfully battle through vision and eye issues en route to hitting a pair of big shots when his team needed him the most.
Harden — who suffered a lacerated left eyelid in the opening quarter of Game 2 — posted a team-high 41 points alongside Eric Gordon’s playoff-high 30-point night to help the Rockets capture a 126-121 overtime win against the Golden State Warriors in Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals.
Houston — which led by as many as 13 points late in the third quarter — worked strenuously to withstand a late Golden State rally facilitated by Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson and Andre Iguodala in the fourth quarter.
"“That’s James,” Rockets head coach Mike D’Antoni told reporters when asked about the reigning Most Valuable Player’s latest showing. “That’s what he does. “He was terrific tonight.”"
This included a two-point deficit during the final seconds of regulation, but a layup from P.J. Tucker and stepback triple from Harden in the extra minutes proved to be the official daggers that helped the Rockets stave off a 3-0 series deficit.
Durant led the way for Golden State with a game-high 46 points, while Draymond Green added 19 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists in a hard-fought effort.
Here are the three major takeaways from Clutch City’s Game 3 victory.