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Golden State Warriors: 3 takeaways from Game 5 thriller vs. Rockets

By Daniel Lubofsky

OAKLAND, CA - MAY 8: Stephen Curry #30 and Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors react to a play against the Houston Rockets during Game Five of the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2019 NBA Playoffs on May 8, 2019 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - MAY 8: Stephen Curry #30 and Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors react to a play against the Houston Rockets during Game Five of the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2019 NBA Playoffs on May 8, 2019 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) /

3. A third quarter barrage from Houston

Golden State has long held a standing as the most dominant third-quarter team in the NBA. In each of the last four seasons, the Dubs have led the league in scoring after halftime. Opponents may be able to hang with them through the first 24 minutes, but their shot-making ability has the tendency to wear down the opposition over time.

It was for this reason the Warriors’ production in the third quarter of Game 5 was so unlike the two-time defending champions. Not only did they allow the Rockets to put up 29 points, they registered just 15 of their own, allowing Houston to climb back from a double-digit deficit and even take the lead before the third quarter buzzer.

Whereas the Rockets found little to no trouble attacking the basket, registering seven shots in the restricted area, their defense held Golden State to just two such attempts. The Warriors made only one of their five 3-point looks while allowing Houston to shoot 4-of-10 from beyond the arc.

The series will now shift to the Toyota Center for Game 6, where Rockets fans are sure to bring the energy not wanting to see their team eliminated. It’s that type of third quarter advantage that can have a snowball effect in the final frame for a team playing off its home crowd, which in turn would create a difficult scenario for the Dubs to emerge victorious from.

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