James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets (Image: Getty)
The 2017 Western Conference Finals rematch of the Golden State Warriors and the Houston Rockets looked to be the premier series of this playoffs. That changed soon enough.
Game 1 was marred by controversial officiating that fans on both sides complained about and Game 2 was offset by injuries. Steph Curry dislocated a finger and Rockets guard James Harden suffered an eye injury following a battle with Draymond Green for a rebound.
However, Game 3 came as the first game, without any ‘what if’s’ and in it the Warriors collapsed as Curry faced double teams and physical defense. Though former MVP Kevin Durant put up 46 points in the overtime performance, ultimately the Warriors fell 126-121 at the Toyota Center in Houston. Throughout the series, the home team has won every game but the Warriors will hope to buck that trend on Monday night in Game 4 of the series. Game 4 in Houston will air at 9:30 p.m. EST on TNT.
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Over the last three games, Green has been incredibly influential for his team. Despite a down season in which he finished with his lowest averages in points, rebounds and blocks per game since the 2013-14 season, the Michigan State product lost over 20 pounds mid-season to prepare for a fifth Finals run. Green said, “I feel incredible.” Whether his increased playoff performance is a result of that or just Curry taking on more defensive pressure, he’s been all over the court these last few games.
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Houston has become almost entirely reliant on Harden and Eric Gordon this series. On Saturday, the pair scored 71 of their 126 combined points from the two. Former All-Star Chris Paul has returned from injury as a shell of himself and Clint Capela, though coming off back-to-back double-doubles, has disappeared at times. If Houston wins, it’ll be because of the men at the two and three spots.
Currently, the Rockets are favored by 1.5 points. The over/under for the game is set at 220.5 points. Houston will hope to even the series at two games apiece with a win in Game 4.
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