The Los Angeles Clippers-Houston Rockets clash has lived up to expectations, with top players from both teams delivering the goods. If Blake Griffin has been phenomenal for Clippers in the series, James Harden has been equally impressive for Rockets.
Game 5 of the series was no different, with Griffin and Harden top scoring for their respective teams, but Griffin was unlucky to finish in the losing side despite top scoring with 30 points. Harden scored 26 points.
These two players will once again be the centre of attention during game 6 at Staples Center, which is Clippers' home. The home team can still clinch the western conference finals berth if they win Thursday's game, as they lead the series 3-2.
But if Rockets come up with a similar performance like the one in the last game, where three of their star players, Harden, Trevor Ariza and Dwight Howard scored 20 points or more, they may well take the series to game 7 for the decider.
The Rockets outplayed Clippers in game 5 winning the game by 21 points with the score reading 103-124. "They outplayed us and played like they wanted it," AP quoted Blake Griffin as saying.
"... We need to learn from this game and improve upon it. We have a chance to take care of business and play how we need to play."
One of the positive things for the Clippers was Chris Paul, who was on the floor for 35 minutes. The player is gradually reaching to full fitness. He missed Clippers' first two games of the series due to a hamstring injury.
Paul looked sharp as he scored 22 points, which included four 3 pointers. But, the player felt his team's defence was not good, which also resulted from bad offence.
"It was our defense. Sometimes it was bad offense that led to bad defense," point guard Chris Paul told the team's official website.
The Clippers are expected to come out all guns blazing, after the players were given a day off on Wednesday.
Where to Watch Live
The NBA Playoffs semi-finals game 6 between Los Angeles Clippers and Houston Rockets is scheduled for 10:30pm ET (8am IST, 3:30am BST) start.
Viewers in the US can watch the game live on ESPN.
Viewers in India can watch it live on Sony Six.
NBA fans can also watch the Playoffs live on NBA.com
