Rockets hit West series lead over Warriors

Houston Rockets eked out a thrilling 98-94 victory over the Golden State Warriors in game five of their final series.

HEric Gordon of the Houston Rockets steals from Golden State Warrior Draymond Green in game five of their series. Picture: AFP

Eric Gordon sank two free throws with 2.4 seconds left as the Houston Rockets eked out a thrilling 98-94 victory over the Golden State Warriors in game five of the NBA’s Western Conference finals.

The Rockets now take a 3-2 series lead and have a chance to win the series in the next game tomorrow.

With the Rockets clinging to a two-point lead, Gordon sealed the victory at the foul line and ended with 24 points for the game.

The Warriors had an opportunity to pull even on their previous possession, but Draymond Green lost the ball attempting a drive to the basket. Houston won despite James Harden missing all 11 of his three-point attempts while finishing with 19 points on five-of-21 shooting. He also committed six turnovers.

The Rockets’ other leader, Chris Paul, was on the bench for the final 22.4 seconds due to a right hamstring injury.

Houston coach Mike D’Antoni said Paul was “worried” about his status for the next game. “He’ll be evaluated tomorrow. They’ll do whatever they can do,” D’Antoni said. “If he’s there (for game six), great. If he isn’t, we have enough guys ... we’ll be all right.”

Kevin Durant led the Warriors with 29 points while Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson combined for 45 points on 16-of-31 shooting.

Each team wound up with as many turnovers as assists. The Warriors had 18 of each, the Rockets 12 of each.

Reuters