The Golden State Warriors had the chance to get the sweep and instead they saw Stephen Curry take a nasty fall and get injured all while losing Game 4 to the Houston Rockets. The team planned on getting the win, not playing a Game 5. The Warriors are searching for their first NBA Finals appearance in 40 years and have no intentions of heading back to Houston which means a win on Wednesday night is necessary.
The Rockets took advantage of the elimination game. Houston came out firing as Dwight Howard, James Harden and Josh Smith were firing on all cylinders. Harden looked like the real MVP in Game 4 as the Lil B curse went out the window. The runner-up put up 45 points in the win as the Rockets finished the game off 128-115. Smith also had his shot going, especially from long range. The star scored 20 points as a starter including going 3 for 4 from the 3-point line. He has been thriving on the three ball after hitting 6 of 13 in the series.
Howard will be playing in Game 5 despite a controversial no-call in Game 4. Al Horford was ejected in Game 3 for the Hawks after reportedly tossing an elbow. Howard did the same move and only received a flagrant 1 foul after hitting Andrew Bogut in the head. That call was debated, but NBA President of Basketball Operations Rod Thorn agreed with the call and Howard will continue as normal.
The Golden State Warriors must step up as they got beaten in every area of the game on Monday. They did win the rebounding war, but struggled to do anything with it. Getting back on home court will make a different. The Warriors are 45-3 at Oracle Arena which they plan on using in their favor. The Rockets have played well there, but not well enough to actually get a win.
The Rockets are not afraid of this moment. The team was down 3-1 against the Los Angeles Clippers and came back to win the series in Game 7. They have the confidence to do it again which means the Warriors should be put on notice. Houston has the talent and confidence to catch Golden State off guard again.