Houston blows Golden State out of the Toyota Center 127-105
By FELICIA D. PURCELL
Martinez News-Gazette
What a difference a game makes. Golden State made the necessary adjustments in the second half on Monday and Wednesday the World Champions looked like Houston on Monday in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals getting punched in the mouth by the Houston Rockets 127-105.
Stephen Curry has remains missing in this series thus far which means the Rockets better be extra prepared as the next two games will be in Oakland.
Heading into game Golden State had won 25 of the last 28 heading into a Game 2. Turnovers were their Achilles heel; 14 of them mostly in the first half, were one of the many problems for the Warriors with their shooting at 9-of-30 from the field.
Kevin Durant was the only Warriors player who came to play, finishing with 38-points, 13/22 FG and 9/9 from the FT line. Curry had 16-points, and struggled from downtown at 1/8 3PT, 7 rebounds and 7 assists.
“Total team effort, we played harder and smarter than game one, that was the only difference,” said James Harden afterwards. “We didn’t switch up any strategies, just played harder.”
Harden led his team with 27-points, 10 rebounds and 3 assists. Eric Gordon also had 27-points, 8/15 FG and 6/8 from the 3PT line.
They played more aggressively which allowed them to run the transition on offense.
With the series now tied 1-1 the Warriors are depending for some home court advantage in addition to make the necessary adjustments from this loss. The Warriors remain undefeated at home in the postseason with 15 wins; tied with the 91-92 Chicago Bulls for the most wins at home in playoff action.
The Rockets are hoping to snap that record this Sunday at Oracle for Game 3. Tip-off is 5 p.m.
