The 45-point opening quarter was just too much for Golden State to overcome, especially with everyone’s stomach caught in their throat while Steph lay prone on the court. After going 0-for-3 in the third quarter — including an odd air ball — upon his return, Curry looked okay shooting the ball in the fourth, but James Harden was too busy in beast mode to break focus.
The Rockets runner-up for MVP was 13-of-22 from the field, and a remarkably efficient 7-of-11 from beyond the arc. He also got to the free throw line more than he had in game’s past, sinking 12-of-13 for a playoff high of 45. It was the fourth quarter, with Curry back shooting with the verve he’s shown in every game this series, where Harden really came through.
The Warriors got the margin down to 104-98 when Curry swished nylon on a three-pointer at the 8:24 mark of the fourth. But after a Terry miss, Harden again forced the foul and went to the line. The Rockets built up another big lead before Golden State gave it a last gasp late in the fourth, pulling within eight, 118-110 with 2:11 remaining.
That’s when James just ended it. First with this step-back:
Then, when this side-step in the final minute to make certain the game is over (you never know with the Splash Brothers).
The Rockets are now 4-0 in elimination games, after surviving three-straight to the Clippers to win their Conference Semifinal. The Warriors will return home not as conquering heroes headed to the NBA Finals, but in attempt to put away Houston so they don’t have to return to the Toyota Center. Meanwhile, the Rockets will try to avoid elimination for the fifth time this postseason in the rowdy confines of the Bay Area on Wednesday at 9 p.m. EST in Game 5.
