Houston Rockets: 3 takeaways from huge Game 4 vs. Warriors

In an epic thriller where their shot at an NBA championship hung in the balance for the second straight battle, the Houston Rockets would find a way to run as one down the stretch in Game 4 of the 2019 Western Conference semifinals.

Despite facing an early 2-0 hole to begin arguably one of the most anticipated series in recent memory, Houston Rockets guard James Harden would do everything in his power to help his squad fight and claw back into their best-of-seven battle, delivering yet another personal punch to the defending world champions.

Harden — who posted a 41-point, nine-rebound, six-assist stat line in Game 3 — erupted for a game-high 38 points and 10 rebounds alongside Eric Gordon‘s 20 points to help the Rockets draw even with a 112-108 win against the Golden State Warriors in Game 4

"“You’ve got two teams that are battling,” Harden told reporters in his postgame press conference after Game 4. “Every possession is a fight. Defensively, we’re trying not to make mistakes, they’re trying not to make mistakes; we’re trying to not give up on 3s, they’re trying to not give up 3s. It’s every possession. “That’s what it’s about.”"

Houston — which led by many as nine points in the fourth quarter — managed to thwart another late Warriors rally culminated by a Stephen Curry triple to pull Golden State to within three points with less than 12 seconds left in regulation. Two potential game-tying 3-point attempts from Curry and Kevin Durant in the game’s final seconds were just off the mark, and Chris Paul would convert one of his two free throws with 2.9 seconds left to help the Rockets secure the victory.

P.J. Tucker contributed to the cause for Houston with 17 points and 10 rebounds in a team-high 41 minutes, while Durant and Curry led the way for Golden State with 34 and 30 points, respectively.

Here are the three major takeaways from Clutch City’s win in Game 4.