House of Houston
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Houston Rockets: The ten best shots in team history

By Joe Fernandez

14 Jun 1995: Center Hakeen Olajuwon of the Houston Rockets celebrates after a Finals game against the Orlando Magic at The Summit in Houston, Texas. The Rockets won the game, 113-101. Mandatory Credit: Allsport /Allsport Mandatory Credit: Allsport /Al
14 Jun 1995: Center Hakeen Olajuwon of the Houston Rockets celebrates after a Finals game against the Orlando Magic at The Summit in Houston, Texas. The Rockets won the game, 113-101. Mandatory Credit: Allsport /Allsport Mandatory Credit: Allsport /Al /
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Josh Smith with the back breaker

During the 2015 Western Conference semifinals, the Houston Rockets had been dominated by the Los Angeles Clippers in Los Angeles. They were blown out in games three and four and were looking lost in game six as well.

It looked like the Clippers were finally on their way to their first Western Conference finals led by Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and Deandre Jordan. They led by as many as 19 points in the third quarter.

And then, Josh Smith scored 19 points by himself in the fourth quarter to turn the game from a Clippers blow out to a Rockets blowout. Smith scored nearly half the 40 points the Rockets put up in the fourth quarter and was all over the floor on defense too.

But the shot that showed shades of clutch city was the one that pushed the game from a reasonable six point lead with two minutes to go, to a devastating nine point lead on a pull back three over defensive stalwart Deandre Jordan.

That shot turned the tide and made the game feel out of reach for the Clippers as they had a minute and 44 seconds to try and catch up. Instead they lost by 12 points and Josh Smith’s three in the fourth quarter sealed the deal. The moment happens at the 3 minute 10 second mark of the video above.

One of the greatest comebacks in NBA history facing elimination and a shot that completely crushed the Clippers team and fans. The Rockets went on to win the series to face off against the eventual 2015 NBA champion Golden State Warriors.

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