Kevin Durant, Warriors’ leader in points, rests in Game 6 of the 2019 Western Conference Semifinals against the Houston Rockets and this creates problems for Golden State. Durant averages 34.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.9 assists and a block in 11 games this post-season helping Golden State to win game 1, 2, and even game 5 of this series. Warriors lean on Durant whenever Curry or Thompson has inefficient nights.
Making 52.1 percent of his shots, the former scoring champion is simply amazing again this season. He makes highly contested shots and no one on the Rockets side capable to shut him down. Well, not until a non-contact injury shuts him down for the rest of the series. He is subject for re-evaluation next week.
Now that KD is out, Harden and the Rockets grab a big chance to tie the series 3-all in Houston. Suddenly, without Durant and Cousins, the Rockets are no longer huge underdogs when it comes to star power. Moreover, depending on KD’s recovery, the Rockets even have a stronger chance to win this series.
It would be interesting who will coach Steve Kerr put to replace KD in the starting five. Most likely, he will start Looney. Now, Coach Mike D’Antoni and Harden will like this because James is highly successful against Looney on the switch. This will also limit Warriors’ option in offense. The Rockets can simply press on Curry or Thompson enticing Green, Iguodala, and Looney to attempt jump shots more than they used to in this series. Additionally, defending Green’s or Iguodala’s shots is much easier for the Rockets compared to guarding the longer and craftier Durant.
In the regular season, the Warriors only won 1 out of 4 games over the Rockets, and they made it without Durant. Cousins contributed 27 big points and 7 assists as he mastered the paint. However, the win did not happen without the phenomenal shooting of Curry and Thompson – the good old Splash brothers.
Before Durant and Cousins joined their team, the Splash brothers already have been changing the league with their unconventional style of offense. Curry shots like a kid throwing toys that he does not like, without even thinking about it. In addition, Thompson shots the ball as if it is too hot to keep on his hands for a little bit longer. These two special players transformed the league into a 3-point centered competition.
Game 6 is an opportune time for Curry and Thompson in concluding Houston’s “what ifs”. However, if they do not show up in Toyota Center, the Warriors will be in big trouble against the team with the best all-around player of the league today – and most likely the season’s MVP.
What do you think? Is it Warriors or Rockets for Game 6?
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