Whether CP3 plays or not in game #6 the advantage is still in Houston's court. They have done exactly what they have needed to do on defense and that's frustrate the big 3 shooters of GS. That team is tired because they are not used to playing this many heavy minutes against a team that has a strong defensive effort built to nullify them. PJ Tucker has come up big as well as Capela and EGo on defense. If CP3 can't go on Saturday, look for Houston to get out to an early start anyway. Their defense will still be there as CP3 has never been known as a lock-down defender, but I would look for Jackson of the Rockets to start. As good as EGo is I still want him off the bench with the second unit and not waste him early with Harden already on the court to begin the game. I can also see Anderson getting playing time to spread the floor. He's a fresh body that can make a difference in Harden getting to the hoop. The Rockets will put every effort into winning Game #6. With CP3 on injury watch they want to give him as much rest as possible and a win on Saturday would give him about a week to rest that hamstring if he can't go in Game #6. It will be a dog fight, but the Rockets are not afraid of the Warriors. And actually, they have a better team in crunch time than GS has as they are 100% battle tested. There's a chance the Warriors may run early and often and put Game #6 out of reach, but only if Harden gives in to the pressure of running the offense the whole game. But even if CP3 can't play, his presence will be felt on the floor as he will be in the huddle motivating this team the entire way. ROCKETS in 6
There's a precedent. The last time the Warriors played an elimination game at home, they blew it and had to watch the Cavs celebrate on their court.
CP3 is a first team all defender. That's pretty lock down if you ask me. Missing Paul puts a huge dent in our defense but I think we can still close it out.
CP3 may not be able to go . But I agree . I think this is a chance for Luc and Ryan to shock the world and for harden to show us what he's learned . There is one thing about James for sure ... he is one of the smartest players in the game. He's been off offensively for the last couple of games and his shot has been off . If Paul is out then James can take on even more of a facilitator role which he loves doing . If Paul is out I think we see a new evolved harden . He's gonna pull from CP3's bag of tricks and bring back a few of his own . He will break his man off the dribble to take an open midrange . When he becomes too hot , he will find open guys . We will hit shots . We are focused
Last 2 games... The Warriors have more turnovers (34) than assists (32). That is due to the Rockets hampering defense. Durant, Klay and Curry all scored over 20+ points and had a FG% of 44.4 and 3Pt% of 38.5 compared to the Rockets 37.2 and 30.2. And Harden went 0-11 from the 3 yet the Rockets still won. The Rockets are in their heads and I don't see the Warriors just turning it on suddenly and blowing out the Rockets. We have won 3 our of the last 4 against the Warriors (5 out of 8 including the regular season). No reason why the Rockets can't win at least 1 of the next 2.
Pretty cool and maybe you're drunk. With healthy CP3 that is more than doable. But he ain't fully healthy.
Still WARRIORS IN 3! And it could not have happened to a more gallant and dignified individual than Kevin Durant.
I BELIEVE!!! Rockets got this!! Doubters F-OFF!! Harden going to shut all the naysayers down!!! PLEASE!!!
I thought about that myself, but I already saw the Astros play Game #2 live at Dodgers Stadium for the win and didn't want to push my luck
Paul's effect on the defensive end may not be as a lock down defender any more but he's been a significant factor in keeping Harden accountable (at times) in playing slightly better defense. Not sure about this Jackson player, but from what I remember he's our 3rd PG right? I'd rather have Gordon starting with G.Green off the bench. And mix in Johnson for spot minutes if we need his iso, back to the basket game. Unless Anderson somehow finds his stroke (he does play better in away games) it's doubtful D'Antoni would trust him enough to thrust him into the game over Luc, he's not strong enough to play effective post defense and he hasn't been in the rotation enough for us not to doubt his ability to shoot the basketball.