Warriors 96 - 97 Rockets
Final
  for this game

Warriors-Rockets Preview

Apr 21, 2016 - 12:48 AM Stephen Curry's injured right ankle didn't stop him from rising to his feet and becoming Golden State's biggest cheerleader in Game 2. His Warriors teammates certainly appreciated the sentiment, but they'd much rather have the reigning MVP in uniform for Game 3 on Thursday night in Houston.

The Rockets seem to have bigger problems than just Curry's possible return. The rematch of last year's Western Conference finals looks more like a mismatch, and Dwight Howard and James Harden appear no closer to being able to mesh together on the floor.

Golden State beat Houston for the 14th time in the last 15 meetings Monday as Klay Thompson scored 34 points in a 115-106 victory while Curry cheered from the bench. Curry's MRI the following day didn't reveal anything new, leaving him questionable for Game 3.

Curry practiced Wednesday but said: ''Based on how I feel right now I probably couldn't play. But tomorrow it could be different.''

But these record-setting Warriors have relied heavily on their depth for the past two seasons, and it was on display again in Game 2. Draymond Green had 12 points, 14 rebounds and eight assists, while Shaun Livingston finished with 16 points starting in place of Curry.

''When Steph goes down, that's obviously not easy to replace, so not one guy's going to come out and do what Steph does for this team,'' Green said. ''Even if a guy comes out and gets 30, he's still not going to do what or bring what Steph brings to this team. He draws so much attention that he gets other people shots as well. ... I think we're the deepest team in the NBA.''

Coach Steve Kerr said there's no reason to rush Curry back if he's not 100 percent, especially with Golden State holding a two-game edge in the series.

''You couldn't see anything today as far as a limp,'' Kerr said Wednesday. ''So he's doing a lot better.''

The Warriors are pulling together with their best player hobbled, but the Rockets' two stars seem to be at odds. Howard disputed any potential rift with Harden despite cameras showing them appearing to argue.

Howard finished with 12 points and 10 boards while Harden had 28 and 11 assists, but they also combined for eight of Houston's 19 turnovers.

''That wasn't jawing at each other. It was just emotion. It wasn't saying anything crazy to each other,'' Howard said. ''It might look like that, but we both want to win. It's emotional because we're playing basketball and we're trying not to go home. It was nothing bad.''

The Rockets will need to get their act together quickly whether or not Curry plays. Their only victory in last year's five-game conference finals loss came on their home floor, but the location likely won't matter if Howard can't keep up with the Warriors' big men.

Howard committed five fouls in Game 1 before fouling out in Game 2 and has struggled in the paint against Golden State's rotation of Andrew Bogut, Festus Ezeli and Marreese Speights.

''We understand our opponent. We understand how good they are as a team and the drive they have," interim coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. "We can't look at it's a night off for us or anything like that (if Curry is out). We've got to go out and play twice as hard and try to win.''






Related News