HOUSTON -- James Harden sank a step-back jumper in the final 2.7 seconds of play and the Houston Rockets escaped with a thrilling 97-96 Game victory over the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night at the Toyota Center.
It was a much-needed win for the 8th seeded Rockets, who avoided falling down 3-0 in their best-of-7 round one series against the defending champions, who set a historic 73-9 mark during the regular season, a milestone that eclipsed the 72-10 record set by the iconic Chicago Bulls team of the 1995-96 season.
"It was a total team effort. We're gonna need multiple guys to step up and make plays as the series goes on. Playoffs is all about winning," Harden said during a post-game interview.
The Rockets' two bigs, Dwight Howard and Donatas Motiejunas, finished with 13 points and 13 rebounds and 14 points and 13 rebounds, respectively. Patrick Beverley added 10 points for Houston.
"If we play with energy, intensity and effort then we can beat this team. We have to have that mindset going into the next game". Howard said.
Without reigning MVP Steph Curry, who is sidelined with an injured ankle, the Warriors were led by Marreese Speights' 22 points. Klay Thompson finished with 17 points while Shaun Livingston had 16 points and three assists.
The Rockets will try to even up the series on Sunday afternoon at the Toyota Center.
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