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

Eric Gordon comes off the bench to score 24 as his team wins a thriller over Golden State.

Eric Gordon #10 of the Houston Rockets shoots against Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors in the first half of Game Five of the Western Conference Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center on May 24, 2018 in Houston, Texas.  (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
Eric Gordon #10 of the Houston Rockets shoots against Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors in the first half of Game Five of the Western Conference Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center on May 24, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
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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.

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