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The Houston Rockets were something of an improved team as they managed to snatch a win in Game 3, but with Stephen Curry likely to return for the Golden State Warriors in Game 4, it’s difficult to see the same happening. Join The Roar for live scores from 5:30am (AEST).
Houston surprised everyone last time out, with a better performance enabling them to pick up a game and stretch the series to at least five matches. While it was less than a convincing win, the Warriors were widely tipped to sweep the series, so it came as a shock.
Certainly, the loss for the Warriors was a concern – and their reliance on Curry for offence has become all too clear in the last couple of matches. Since he was injured midway through Game 1, they have shot at under 25 per cent from behind the arc, with the only exception to that rule being Marreese Speights.
What has also become clear is that the Warriors won’t be able to beat the best teams in the competition without that offence clicking. They were out rebounded by Houston with a margin of 15 as Dwight Howard finally stood up, and their defence generally wasn’t great.
For Houston it all comes down to James Harden. While his defence is bordering on pathetic, the attack quite literally carries the Rockets. He scored 35 points in that win also putting up nine assists and grabbing eight rebounds.
No one else even challenges his output, and if Curry is back then the pair could neutralise each other. The rest of the Warriors team outplays that of Houston and the man who can turn that around is Dwight Howard.
While his game these days seems limited to standing inside the paint and hoping the rebound falls his way – he has to step up and get some shooting going for him, while playing lock down defence.
Based on what we saw in Game 1 and 2 though – and the regular season – the Warriors put up a performance that you just don’t expect from them. For them to have two of those in a row would be really something. Klay Thompson is one man who needs to pick up offensive output, while Draymond Green also was quiet last time out.
Prediction
Even if Curry was out I would be leaning towards the Warriors. Houston have been inconsistent all season, and only just took Game 3 – can’t see them doing it twice in a row.
Warriors by 5.
Be sure to join The Roar for live scores of this NBA Playoffs match from 5:30am (AEST) and don’t forget to add your own comments in the section below as the action unfolds from Houston.
Follow Scott on Twitter @sk_pryde