The Houston Rockets weren’t given much of a chance in their opening round series with the record-setting Golden State Warriors, and for good reason. The team had been in turmoil all season. They lost their head coach 7 games in, and have had to deal with reports of calamity in the locker room for much of 2016, specifically involving the team’s stars, James Harden and Dwight Howard.
However, when Stephen Curry sprained his ankle during Game 1 of the series, the Rockets chances increased significantly. Though the Curry-less Warriors were able to finish off a blowout Game 1 victory, and won Game 2 easily, Game 3 was a different story. As the series switched to Houston, the Rockets showed up to play, and with 2.5 seconds on the clock in regulation last night, James Harden hit a turnaround jumper to give his team the lead, and eventually the victory, a feat that should excite Rockets players and fans alike. The Warriors only lost 9 games all season, and regardless of the circumstances, getting a victory over them in the playoffs is cause for excitement.
Someone forgot to tell the Rockets bench. Corey Brewer, Dwight Howard, and the rest of Harden’s teammates that watched the play transpire looked as excited as they generally are when Dwight makes a free throw.
Yay James *halfheartedly waves pom-pom*.
