NBA Playoffs Game 5: Houston Rockets Seize Series; Beat Dallas Mavs 104-93
Apr 28, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) dunks the ball during the second quarter against the Dallas Mavericks in game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
In the 3rd quarter, the Rockets pushed their lead up further — by as much as 14 points — after D12 made one out of two free throws to put the Rockets up 75-61.
The Mavs kept trying to chip away at their deficit but the Rockets continued to benefit off their bad shooting.
Both Howard and J-Smoove had 18 points a piece at that point as the Rockets led the Mavs 82-75 at the end of the 3rd.
During the 4th quarter, the Rockets still had control but the Mavs did pull within three points with 5:19 left after a J.J. Barea jumper. Rockets 88, Mavs 85
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That would be the closest the Mavs would get as the Rockets pushed themselves to ensure that they got the W tonight eventually hanging tough for a 103-94 win.
I’d have to admit it wasn’t the prettiest of basketball games to watch by the Rockets got the job done and that’s what matters.
Harden led the Rockets with 28 points, eight dimes while D12 had 18 points, 19 boards, four steals and four blocks.
J-Smoove chipped in 20 points, eight rebounds while Ariza had 11 rebounds of his own.
Nowitzki led the Mavs with 22 points, 14 rebounds while Monta Ellis had 25 points, seven assists.
Barea wasn’t too much of a factor last night, only being able to get six points and nine assists.
Now it’s time for the Rockets to wait for the winner of the Los Angeles Clippers/San Antonio Spurs series which is still very much up in the air.
However, the Spurs beat the Clips 111-107 in their Game 5 allowing them to take a 3-2 commanding lead and leaves the Clips one game away from elimination.
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Game 6 will be this Thursday at AT&T Center in San Antonio, so if you want to watch this game, it can be seen on TNT.
All signs are pointing to the Rockets taking on the Spurs in the next round, the odds are now greatly in the Spurs favor to win their first round series with Game 6 being on their home court.
We’ll have to see.
Until then, the Rockets will be able to get some extended rest while they wait which is not a bad thing at the moment, especially for D12.
Go Rockets!
Next: NBA Playoffs Round 2: The Best Matchup For The Houston Rockets?