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The Houston Rockets overcame their playoff woes with a huge victory Saturday, led by great performances from Robert Covington and James Harden.
Russell Westbrooks’ first game wasn’t perfect, scoring seven points on 23 percent shooting from the field. Fortunately, James Harden led the Houston Rockets with 31 points on 73 percent shooting, which was his most efficient night of the series.
Harden shot the ball well from three, going 4-of-8 for 50 percent. Harden’s patience allowed him to see the court better, unlike what happened when he got carried away by his shot selection in Game 4.
James was able to beat Luguentz Dort around and behind the picks on a consistent basis, helping him free himself for drives and assists to open teammates. Harden also took advantage of individual changes that left him protected by guys like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Danilo Gallinari, who fought the entire game trying to stay in front of him.
The Houston Rockets paint monster
Eric Gordon has become a staple in the Rockets paint, and his nine attempts made from there. His speed allowed him to not only beat his opponents on the court, but also beat them to the basket at will in the midfield offense.
Gordon attacking the basket also allowed him an efficient night, as he finished with 20 points and four rebounds on 9 of 17 shots from the field.
Robert Covington Recovery Performance
Robert Covington took advantage of a 6-of-11 shooting night from the perimeter to score 22 points, a career high in the playoffs, on Saturday. He also led the club in steals with three and had a game record over-36 when on the court.
Covington entered Game 5 fighting on the series, but eventually changed the script at a critical moment. Hopefully, Covington stays on the positive track for the Rockets.
The defensive effort of the Houston Rockets
The Rockets were outstanding on defense, particularly in the second half. Overall, they forced the Thunder to lose 18 turnovers and only committed 11. They also kept rebounding disparity in check, only being outscored by three (58-55).
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The Rockets only allowed the Thunder to score 80 points, which was the fewest Mike D’Antoni have allowed and the fewest any team has scored in this year’s playoffs. Danilo Gallinari, who was having a great series before Saturday, kept completely under control, scoring just one point.
Houston also held Chris Paul just 16 points down 20 percent from 3-point range, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander only scored four. Each of these players also had four turnovers apiece due to the Rockets being able to obstruct the paint and confuse them.
It all added up to a 114-80 victory, with the possibility of finishing the series that is coming.
With the opportunity to close out the series on Monday, the Rockets know it won’t be easy. “Shutting people down is one of the hardest things to do,” Mike D’Antoni said after Game 5. “It doesn’t mean anything. We have to win the next game and they must win the next.
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