The Houston Rockets have prevailed in Game 7 of their series against the Los Angeles Clippers, leading throughout the game, as fans witnessed the most ever free-throws taken in a series.
The Clippers will struggle to shake off the choker tag after this series, taking three games out of the first four to leave the side just one game off taking the series.
Yet the Rockets showed what they’re made of, marking the first time since 2006 that a team has come back from 3-1 down, after a hot start by the Chris Paul/Blake Griffin led side, who had previously beaten 2014 champions, the San Antonio Spurs.
Due to the Hack-a-Jordan and Hack-a-Howard/Smith fouling by both teams to attempt to place poor free throw shooters at the line, the Clippers/Rockets series shattered the previous record for most Free Throws in a Playoff series, with 503 attempts taken.
The previous record was 341, set long ago in the 1957 Finals between the St. Louis Hawks and Boston Celtics.
The Western Conference Finals between the Warriors and the Rockets was a regular season breeze for Golden State.
In the four regular season games, they swept the Rockets, with the closest margin at 9 points in the first match-up.
On Sunday, the Atlanta Hawks beat the Washington Wizards with a last-gasp three pointer by Paul Pierce waved off as coming after the shot clock. The Hawks will compete for the Eastern Conference Finals against LeBron James’ Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Western Conference Finals commence Wednesday at 11:00am, Sydney time, with Golden State at home.
The Eastern Conference Finals commence Thursday at 10:30am, with the Hawks at home.
Clark
Guest
I can honestly see Houston get swept. The match ups in this series are terrible for them, they can not guard the GSW starters and have a more balanced bench which actually plays defense. The way it looks, Ariza will guard Curry, leaving Harden trying to guard Klay and or Harrison Barnes, expect them to get a lot of open shots. Although Dwight is putting in work on the boards, his offensive game is where Houston will struggle to be competitive. GSW lacks a size and mobility combination on the inside on the whole, something Memphis exploited in a couple of games where Gasol and Randolph put in work. Seeing Harden ride the pine in that comeback win also noted the importance of team ball. Harden will get his points but if he doesn't get other players going they will struggle massively, no other player on the Rockets team can get their own shot.
Worlds Biggest
Guest
I think it will go to 7 with home court getting the Warriors into the Big Dance. The Clips must be wondering what happened, they needed one measly win to get to the Conference Finals. I think the winner of the West wins it all.
Chaos
Guest
Never under estimate a team that came back from 1-3 down and 19 points in game 6.
lachiegaff
Guest
Bold prediction. The Warriors did find their rhythm after dropping a couple to the Grizz, but to think that they'll sweep the Rockets is a big call. I say Houston will get at least 1, but I'm predicting this series will go to 6 games. 4-2 to the dubs.
Ryan Buckland
Expert
Get the brooms out...the Warriors are making the Finals.