The most anticipated matchup of the 2017- 2018 NBA Play Offs is Rockets going against the potential all-time great, Warriors is here, and so far it has not let down the fans. When Kevin Durant joined the 73-win team two summers ago, it was believed that this team will make other teams look like a pile of garbage. And more so, it was true for the last season when they ran over the teams like it was nothing. No team opposed any threat to the mighty Bay Area. The most resistance they faced was by Spurs in 1st half till Kawahi Leonard got injured by Zaza. All of the experts were of the opinion that other teams should give up for at least four years and try to rebuild their teams from the scratch because Golden State is not going anywhere. But Houston Rockets has other things on their mind. While most teams were tanking they took it upon themselves to dethrone Golden State, they made trades and make necessary adjustments to go up against the Warriors.
Regular Season
This regular season was one of the best in the Rockets history. The duo of James Harden and Chris Paul jelled together very soon as lots of people were not expecting it. This duo along with Capela and their supporting cast took NBA by storm. They clinched the 1st seed in the Western Conference against all odds and the trio of James, CP3 and Capela lost only two matches in the regular season when they played together. They have the highest rating of offense in the history of NBA. Co-incidence! I don’t think so. This is because of the style of Mike D’Antoni. He is the best coach for the Point Guard in the current NBA. Remember what he has done with Steve Nash and Jeremy Lin in the past. This time he has two best Point Guard in the NBA at his disposal. So what were you expecting?
On the other hand, Warriors season has not been that great as we are accustomed to seeing them. There could be several factors to it. The boredom of the regular season as NBA is a long season and every game is not important as they are in NFL and injuries to key players also played their part.
Play Off Match-Up
Rockets guard Chris Paul, left, and James Harden celebrate their win Tuesday vs. the Utah Jazz during Game 5 of the NBA Playoffs in Houston. (Eric Christian Smith, Associated Press) |
Rockets had a face off with the Wolves in the tight western conference 1st round and took them down easily in 5 games. In the second round, they were up against the rookie (Donovan Mitchell) leading team Utah and again took them down with ease in 5 games. Golden State has also had an easy route leading them to the western conference Finals by taking down Spurs and Pelicans in 5 games each.
Rockets had home court advantage in the conference finals but Warriors took home court advantage as they beat them in the first game on the home court. Everyone was expecting it to be a quick series but rockets did show up for the 2nd game and humiliated the Warriors.The series has now been shifted to the Bay Area and this is a situation Warriors has never been in before. It is the first time they have been in such a peculiar situation; they know if they don’t show up the other team has the audacity to run them off the court. The Warriors’ backs are against the wall and let’s see how they cope with this pressure situation.
This series will also define the legacy of James Harden and CP3 for the pitbull he is. They have bowed down to pressure in the past and it has somewhat tainted their legacies but it is time for them to redeem themselves and they are playing desperate. The duo of these two has been pretty outstanding so far and hopefully will continue to do so.
Here are what players and Coaches are saying about this series;
Mike D’Antoni has said Houston;
Here are what players and Coaches are saying about this series;
Mike D’Antoni has said Houston;
Can beat anybody, anywhere, anytime.
Klay Thompson gives this answer to a reporter question (what you say, Klay Thompson?)
I will be better. I guarantee it.
Steve Kerr;
We are very confident going into this series.
Here is what Draymond Green has to say;
We are at our best when we feel threatened. And we feel threatened.
This series will get even tighter when it moves to the Bay Area. The rockets are beating the Warriors at their own game as they are shooting threes from everywhere on the court and they have some designated marksmen. They are going at Stephen Curry strong and are physical with them which is affecting his shooting. The other reason could be he has not his feet under him for now as he is coming from a long injury. The key for the Rockets will be to not let him settle as this series can be over soon for the Beard Army.
We are looking forward to today's match. Let us know in the comments , what are you anticipating.
We are looking forward to today's match. Let us know in the comments , what are you anticipating.
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