The Rockets' dramatic comeback from a 19-point deficit in game six proved they could stand tall against the L.A. Clippers. The Houston Rockets dominated the Los Angeles Clippers, 113-100, to advance to the conference finals for the first time in 18 years.
According to SB Nation, the Rockets overcame a 3-1 series deficit to defeat top-seeded Clippers, making this only the 9th time in NBA history for a team to do so.
Despite being benched for the huge 4th quarter comeback in game six, James Harden led the way for the Rockets, shooting six out of 20, and finished with 31 points, eight assists and seven rebounds. Dwight Howard successfully made six out of his eight attempts from the field and contributed a double-double of 16 points and 15 rebounds. At the same time, Trevor Ariza contributed six three-points and a solid defense, finishing with 22 points. Their combined efforts enabled them to nail a 113-100 victory.
Harden showed his pride for his team's accomplishment. "It's the ultimate confidence-booster," he said, as quoted in a report by AP. "There's only a handful of teams that's done that. We fought back. We fought three really hard games, and came away with it."
The Los Angeles Clippers attempted to cut down the lead with a 9-0 run in the remaining two and a half minutes of the game. They managed to cut the Rockets' lead down to eight before a pair of free throws by Harden brought the lead back up to ten. Ultimately, a three-point shot from the corner by Ariza sealed the winning fate of the Rockets as they won the game with a 13-point lead.
Despite looking tired during most of the game, Blake Griffin scored 27 points. The Clippers' other star, Chris Paul, finished with 26 points and ten assists.
Statistical reports by ESPN show that Clippers' coach Doc Rivers has now become the first coach in NBA history to blow multiple 3-1 series leads, with the Clippers blowing a 3-1 series lead. The Rockets team has also become one of only two teams in NBA history to make a comeback from a 3-1 series deficit for more than once.
The Houston Rockets will face the Golden State Warriors for the Western Conference Championship on May, 20, Tuesday at 9 p.m. The game will be held at the ORACLE Arena, Oakland, California, the home court of the Golden State Warriors.