Jazz, Rockets Set for Game 5 in Houston
By Oscar Heanue
The Utah Jazz will visit the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on Wednesday evening for Game 5 of the Western Conference first-round playoffs. Houston leads the series, 3-1.
Utah (1-3) staved off elimination with a win in Game 4. The Jazz relied heavily on their top-ranked defense, as they held Houston to just 35.4 percent shooting in that one. Rudy Gobert blocked three shots while playing a key role in limiting the Rockets to just 18 points in the paint. On offense, Utah saw a game-high 31 points from Donovan Mitchell. Jae Crowder added 23 points and the Jazz also saw an 18-point, 10-assist double-double from Ricky Rubio. All in all, it was the type of game Utah had needed all series. The team will face a tough task as it enters Houston with a 3-1 deficit on its hands.
The Jazz have no short-term injuries to report ahead of Game 5.
Houston (3-1) delivered what was undoubtedly its worst offensive showing of the postseason in Game 4. On top of its dismal 35 percent shooting clip, the team also struggled to take care of the ball. Reigning MVP James Harden committed a postseason-high eight turnovers en route to the loss. Still, Harden was able to rack up plenty of points, leading the Rockets with 30 despite the loss. The team will look to improve its efficiency and minimize turnovers as it gears up for a potential series-clinching Game 5 on its home court.
The Rockets also enter the game with a clean bill of health.
Utah (1-3) staved off elimination with a win in Game 4. The Jazz relied heavily on their top-ranked defense, as they held Houston to just 35.4 percent shooting in that one. Rudy Gobert blocked three shots while playing a key role in limiting the Rockets to just 18 points in the paint. On offense, Utah saw a game-high 31 points from Donovan Mitchell. Jae Crowder added 23 points and the Jazz also saw an 18-point, 10-assist double-double from Ricky Rubio. All in all, it was the type of game Utah had needed all series. The team will face a tough task as it enters Houston with a 3-1 deficit on its hands.
The Jazz have no short-term injuries to report ahead of Game 5.
Houston (3-1) delivered what was undoubtedly its worst offensive showing of the postseason in Game 4. On top of its dismal 35 percent shooting clip, the team also struggled to take care of the ball. Reigning MVP James Harden committed a postseason-high eight turnovers en route to the loss. Still, Harden was able to rack up plenty of points, leading the Rockets with 30 despite the loss. The team will look to improve its efficiency and minimize turnovers as it gears up for a potential series-clinching Game 5 on its home court.
The Rockets also enter the game with a clean bill of health.
Clippers Try To Stave Off Elimination in Game 5
The Los Angeles Clippers take on the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena on Wednesday night in Game 5 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series. The Warriors lead the series, 3-1.
The Clippers (1-3) have their backs against the wall as they head back to Oracle Arena, where they were able to garner a Game 2 win. Los Angeles missed an opportunity for a victory on their Staples Center home floor, however, dropping their second straight contest there by a 113-104 margin on Sunday. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way for the Clippers with 25 points, adding two rebounds, two assists and one steal. Danilo Gallinari supplied 16 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Patrick Beverley and Lou Williams generated matching 12-point tallies, with Beverley also pulling down 10 rebounds. Landry Shamet contributed nine points.
The Clippers come into Wednesday's game without any injuries to report.
Kevin Durant paced the Warriors with 33 points, complementing them with seven rebounds, six assists and one steal. Klay Thompson registered 32 points and one rebound. Stephen Curry mustered a 12-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included seven assists and three steals. Draymond Green and Andre Iguodala furnished 10 points apiece, with Green also pulling down nine rebounds and five assists. Andrew Bogut turned in eight points and 10 rebounds.
The Warriors also come into Wednesday's contest with a clean bill of health.
The Clippers (1-3) have their backs against the wall as they head back to Oracle Arena, where they were able to garner a Game 2 win. Los Angeles missed an opportunity for a victory on their Staples Center home floor, however, dropping their second straight contest there by a 113-104 margin on Sunday. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way for the Clippers with 25 points, adding two rebounds, two assists and one steal. Danilo Gallinari supplied 16 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Patrick Beverley and Lou Williams generated matching 12-point tallies, with Beverley also pulling down 10 rebounds. Landry Shamet contributed nine points.
The Clippers come into Wednesday's game without any injuries to report.
Kevin Durant paced the Warriors with 33 points, complementing them with seven rebounds, six assists and one steal. Klay Thompson registered 32 points and one rebound. Stephen Curry mustered a 12-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included seven assists and three steals. Draymond Green and Andre Iguodala furnished 10 points apiece, with Green also pulling down nine rebounds and five assists. Andrew Bogut turned in eight points and 10 rebounds.
The Warriors also come into Wednesday's contest with a clean bill of health.