Harden Fizzles, CPIII Hurt, Rockets Still Win to Take 3-2 Series Lead

MVP favorite James Harden only made five of 21 shots and missed all 11 of his three-point attempts, yet the Rockets were still able to win at home and knock off Golden State in a 98-94 thriller.

That’s the good news.

The bad news is that Chris Paul III—who overcame going 0-7 to start the game to finish with 20 points, seven rebounds, six assists and three steals in 38 turnover-free minutes—had to leave the game in the final minute with a right hamstring injury that could keep him out of Game 6.

If Paul can’t play Eric Gordon will have to be even better than he was on Thursday, which will be a a lot to ask, as he was huge off the bench with 24 points and a key steal to help seal the win.

For Golden State, Kevin Durant scored 29 points, Steph Curry had 22 and Klay Thompson had 23, but it wasn’t enough to stop the Warriors from falling behind 3-2 in the best-of-seven series.

Heading to Oakland for Game 6, all eyes will be on the status of Paul’s hamstring. “His spirits aren’t great,” Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni said after the game. “He wanted to be out there, and for sure he’s worried…we’ll see tomorrow how it goes.”

Tonight in Cleveland, the Celtics can close out the Cavaliers and advance to the NBA Finals.

Meet your guide

Evan Bleier

Evan is a senior editor with InsideHook who earned a master’s degree in journalism from NYU and has called Brooklyn home since 2006. A fan of Boston sports, Nashville hot chicken and Kentucky bourbon, Evan has had his work published in publications including “Maxim,” Bleacher Report and “The Daily Mail.”