5 Points was the difference in Two Games at Oakland.
The Rockets needed James Harden to score 40 points to win.
Curry didn't think Harden was going to pass on final play. Curry said he, defense were "retreating." Did everything so Harden couldn't shoot.
There was a cutter open......
Per Elias, James Harden became just the 6th player to have 38+ points, 10+ rebounds and 9+ assists in a Conference Finals game......Jerry West, Oscar Robertson, Elgin Baylor, Lew Alcindor & Charles Barkley are the others.
James Harden was spectacular in isolation. He created space and used ball screens to find his shot. 7/8 on uncontested baskets.
Jeff Van Gundy on ESPN on James Harden: "We're looking at a creative genius on dribble penetration."
James Harden (Thunder) came back from down 2-0 in 2012 to get the the NBA finals......Beard has been here before!
Bogut (who played well compared to Game 1) on Curry vs. Harden: "I want to crack open a beer and get a courtside seat ... the two best basketball players in the world."
Per Elias......Curry 5/11 on 3FG is the 1st player EVER to hit 5+ 3FG in 4 consecutive NBA Playoff games.
Among the things Howard cited the Rockets need to correct - "out of bounds plays, knowing the coverages, knowing what they're trying to get."
Dwight Howard: 19 points, 17 rebounds, played over 40 minutes after Game One knee sprain......West Coast media ignorant for calling him soft!
Only FIVE players in the post-season have ever averaged the double double Dwight Howard is this year:
Hakeem Olajuwon
Time Duncan
Kevin Garnet
Charles Barkley
Shaq
