Warriors Beat Rockets in an Awkward Game Filled With Injuries, 115-109

The Golden State Warriors have defeated Houston Rockets, 115-109 in Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals. Steve Kerr’s guys are now up 2-0 in the series, and travel to Texas without a pressure.

After a controversial and troublesome Game 1, and everything which followed, it was expected to see more fire and intensity both on and off the court in tonight’s event.

But everything was kept in the boundaries of the game, which is something all true basketball fans wanted to see.

The Warriors were dominant, and were ahead of the guests during the entire contest. Right from the start of the game, they were letting the rivals know that there is no chance for them to give up the home-court advantage.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8cJaFFLE3M

Kevin Durant was guarding Harden on a couple of occasions, and he did it pretty well. KD blocked Harden and drew a charging foul, which created the swing for the Warriors. In general, the hosts were far better in the opening 12 minutes, and that was a direct consequence of their defensive effort.

Very quickly, the home team created a 14-point lead, 22-8. A 10-0 burst Warriors had, pulled them away to a safe distance, and during that run, something happened which could even change the entire course of the series.

James Harden and Draymond Green were battling for a board, and GSW player hit Harden in the eye, accidentally without any intention.

The reigning MVP had to go out for a medical check, because he couldn’t properly open his eyes. He got back on the court and scored 29 points until the end of the game, but it was evident that he has problems.

After the match, Harden admitted having issues with his sight during the contest, and that he hopes that it will improve until Game 3.

“I barely could see,” said Harden. “It’s pretty blurry right now. Hopefully, it gets better day by day,”

Green reached up to Harden to apologize for this.

The Warriors too had their share of trouble with injuries in this game. Steph Curry dislocated his finger at the early stage of the event, and for a brief moment, it looked that the champs are going to have to play this game without their leader.

But the two-time MVP came back and played until the end. Though he didn’t have a shooting session like often does. Curry missed 10 of 13 downtown attempts.

For Steve Kerr that wasn’t important like the fact that his player came back in the game and continue to play.

“It looked bad when he came off the floor. I was hoping it was just a dislocation not a break and that’s what it turned out to be,” Warriors coach said

The Rockets came back for a moment in the second period, cutting the deficit to three points, 34-31, but the home team responded and pulled away to 12 points at the break, 61-49.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sqm_227jNTc

It seemed that the home team would win this once without any problems, but it wasn’t like that in the end. Golden State didn’t score for the last 4:15 of the third period, and during that time Houston made an 8-0 rush, and came down to seven points. The only thing which held the Warriors in the game was a solid defense, as they prevented the Rockets from scoring more points.

Houston once again reached trimmed the deficit to three points, but they didn’t have the fuel to make a complete comeback. That is the Warriors didn’t allow them to.

“We had our chances toward the end,” Mike D’Antoni said. “They made big plays.”

Harden had 29 points, with 7 boards, Chris Paul 18, and Eric Gordon 15. Clint Capela and PJ Tucker both posted double-doubles. Capela 14 buckets and 10 points, while Tucker had 13 and 10.

For the home team, Durant delivered 29, Steph Curry 20, and Klay Thompson had 21. Draymond Green was once again all over the court. Warriors’ forward ended the night with 15 points, 12 boards, and 7 dimes.

The series is now moving to Houston. Toyota Center will be rocking in the next two games.

Game 3 will be played this Saturday.