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00:00:00I don't get to play, but the best thing that happened to him was coming to Atlanta.
00:00:03So he wins it, and it wasn't close.
00:00:07Zubats was second, Cade Cunningham was third, Christian Brown was fourth,
00:00:12and then Austin Reeves of the Lakers rounding out the top five.
00:00:16Now, let's get back to Golden State and Houston.
00:00:20And it was one of those things where, as Chuck points out,
00:00:24there was a lot of rough stuff going on,
00:00:26a lot of chippiness in the first half of this game.
00:00:28But it was good, as Chuck says, to go back and play basketball
00:00:34and get away from this stuff.
00:00:35He even included Steph Curry flashing the two fouls at Dylan Brooks.
00:00:41Well, I once heard a person say the game was 80% psychological, 20% physical.
00:00:47A lot of times you use these tactics to get into people's head
00:00:51to try to get them and get out of character.
00:00:53Like right there, you do that, Draymond falls on your head and gets attacked.
00:00:56But you asked us at the beginning of the series who I think will win,
00:00:59and I said Golden State because of the experience.
00:01:01So I think Golden State will get it done tonight.
00:01:04They realize this is a young, feisty team.
00:01:06They can't be messing around with them.
00:01:08So, you know, Steph didn't have the greatest game, 17 points.
00:01:11I would like to see him in that 30 range.
00:01:13And, you know, for the last two games, you know,
00:01:15their key is to slow down Jalen Green.
00:01:17They have done that.
00:01:18He's been in single digits.
00:01:19So if they can keep him in the single digits, they have a chance.
00:01:22But I like Golden State experience shutting it down tonight.
00:01:25On the Houston side of things, look, they're doing what they want to do
00:01:30in dominating the rebounds.
00:01:33They're the best rebounding team in the league.
00:01:36They're getting things done inside.
00:01:39But they're just not converting enough.
00:01:43I mean, you look at their 50% shooting in the paint,
00:01:47which is the worst in the playoffs.
00:01:48And in second-chance opportunities, just 38%.
00:01:53So the game plan is there, but cashing in on it is not at this point.
00:01:59I also think what comes with experience is clock management, time management.
00:02:05There are certain times that the same shot that you take with seven minutes
00:02:11on the clock is not the shot you take with two minutes on the clock.
00:02:15And so I think the clock management, and the person who I'm going to be looking forward to,
00:02:21not looking forward to, but looking to see, is Fred Van Vliet.
00:02:25Because I think he has to take a little bit more of control of the clock management
00:02:29at the end of quarters.
00:02:31The end of quarters are the most important part of every NBA game.
00:02:35And so how you start that next with the end of quarters.
00:02:39And I think Van Vliet can be a guy who, in the last two and a half minutes of each quarter,
00:02:44just settles these guys down.
00:02:46They're young, they're talented, but they're very inexperienced.
00:02:51He has the experience and has a championship pedigree.
00:02:54He understands time management, clock management, who should get it, and when they get it.
00:02:57I wouldn't pitch ahead as much.
00:02:59If I'm Fred Van Vliet, I'm not pitching ahead as much, I mean, the ball,
00:03:03in the last two and a half minutes of the game.
00:03:05I'm walking it up.
00:03:06I'm making sure we get into our stuff.
00:03:07And I disagree with that.
00:03:09Man, listen.
00:03:10You disagree with Fred Van Vliet taking control?
00:03:12What do you agree with, then?
00:03:14Listen, man.
00:03:15What do you think?
00:03:15Jalen Green got to play basketball.
00:03:17You can't have 38 points.
00:03:20He's probably, other than Steph, the most talented player in this series.
00:03:24You can't have 38-7, 9-7.
00:03:27Come on, man.
00:03:28Listen.
00:03:29We ain't no doctor.
00:03:30This ain't brain surgery.
00:03:32This guy is too good a player to be in three out of four games to be in single digits.
00:03:37Now, I like Fred.
00:03:38We all like Fred.
00:03:39But there's no way this guy should be averaging whatever he's averaging.
00:03:43Three out of four games, single digits?
00:03:46That's ridiculous.
00:03:47Do you think there's a reason why?
00:03:49Well, he's been doing it all year.
00:03:51He'd get 31 games and 7 another game.
00:03:54I agree with you.
00:03:56But that can't happen, though.
00:03:57And look at these numbers in games three and four in the fourth quarter.
00:04:02Scoreless didn't take a shot in the last game, and they sat him for the last five minutes of the game.
00:04:06And what I said last game, he's got to get 20 shots.
00:04:10He should be going to the gym every game, not just one game.
00:04:14Every game, he's so talented.
00:04:16I'm going to get between 15 and 20 shots a night.
00:04:19That's ridiculous for him to be three out of four games, single digits.
00:04:22But the why is, Ernie, he takes bad shots.
00:04:25That's it.
00:04:26There we go.
00:04:27See, I got my girl dancing.
00:04:38Beyonce has her dancing.
00:04:40Good point.
00:04:41Nicole stole that scene from the Chuckster right there.
00:04:45Yes, she did.
00:04:46She's not dancing for you.
00:04:48That's why she's the stage manager.
00:04:49One of the things you looked at in game four of the Minnesota Lakers series
00:05:01was the fact that J.J. Redick went with the same five guys the entire second half of that game.
00:05:08She'll do that for a season.
00:05:09And you see the minutes they all played in that game.
00:05:16Here was J.J.
00:05:17When you got to look at the tape, look at the fourth quarter,
00:05:23was there any sign of fatigue affecting your guys' performance?
00:05:27No, and you know what?
00:05:29Looking back now, what have we scored?
00:05:3219, 20, 13 in the fourth quarter?
00:05:36You know, it's a trend.
00:05:39It's more so than that.
00:05:40Our two best players missed layups at the rim.
00:05:43I don't think they missed layups until they retired.
00:05:47LeBron, as a matter of fact, five points in the second half of game four,
00:05:56playing the entire 24 minutes, did not score in the fourth.
00:06:01Is fatigue a factor, Shaq?
00:06:03No, but what is a factor is they don't have any dogs on their team.
00:06:06I mean, you got two of the great players on the team, but where are the dogs at?
00:06:11You know, I don't see a lot of fight.
00:06:14I don't see a lot of grit.
00:06:15So, you know, when you have players like that, the others should want to be dogs and want to do certain things.
00:06:21One of my favorite players was in the other day, Big Shot Bob, Dog, Rick Fox, Dog, all of them.
00:06:27B-Shot, Dog, all the players that were with me were dogs.
00:06:30I don't see any dogs on their team.
00:06:32So, might as well pack up and get ready for next year.
00:06:35Well, I think, listen, obviously, J.J. is defensive.
00:06:43I don't think they're a good team.
00:06:46I don't think they're a good team.
00:06:49But, listen, you don't play a 40-year-old man.
00:06:53They miss layups.
00:06:55And he's defensive.
00:06:56I understand that.
00:06:57I'll tell you what's funny.
00:06:58If Tom Thibodeau did, they'd run him out of New York.
00:07:01They're like, wait a minute, Tom.
00:07:02Why don't you play your guys?
00:07:03Listen, man, this guy is 40 years old.
00:07:05He's one of the best to ever do it.
00:07:07He missed a layup.
00:07:08Luka missed a layup.
00:07:10I think it's because they're tired.
00:07:12But, you know, hey, listen, J.J.'s going to try to defend his decision.
00:07:15I understand that.
00:07:16That's what everybody, nobody wants to be criticized.
00:07:19But I don't think you play guys the whole, come on, man, give me a five-minute break,
00:07:24especially coming down the stretch.
00:07:27If you are one of their bench guys, and J.J. said he's talked to everybody about it and
00:07:34why he did it and all that, but how are you feeling?
00:07:37Like, wow, does he have zero confidence in me?
00:07:42First of all, as a pro, I have confidence in myself.
00:07:45That's what I would have.
00:07:46However, I would be upset with him, and I would be upset that he's not, his comments
00:07:52aren't, you know what, I have to find a way to empower my bench and make sure that those
00:07:56guys come in and can give us, because it's his fault.
00:08:00He didn't play him.
00:08:01So, you could say, yeah, well, they didn't score in the second half.
00:08:04Yeah, you didn't score.
00:08:05I can't score from the bench.
00:08:06I can't make things happen from the bench.
00:08:08Okay, but why is he not playing?
00:08:09And so, wait.
00:08:10He don't trust him.
00:08:11He's plain and simple.
00:08:12But my point is this, you're talking about dogs, Shaq, honestly, the teams I played on,
00:08:17I'm just saying the best two players were the dogs.
00:08:20So, we got dogs.
00:08:22But you got, Austin Reeves plays well.
00:08:24These guys play well, but these guys don't deserve to be out there 12, 13 minutes either.
00:08:28I'm saying the other three guys that's playing.
00:08:30What'd you say, the best two players?
00:08:31Yeah, the best two players.
00:08:32All right, so your championship run, who's the best two players?
00:08:35Clyde Drexler and Kakeem Olajuwon.
00:08:37Okay, so Vernon Maxwell wasn't a dog?
00:08:38He was a bigger dog.
00:08:39He was the biggest dog on your team.
00:08:40Stop it.
00:08:40Vernon Maxwell wasn't on the second championship.
00:08:43But I'm just saying.
00:08:43But he was on the first one, and he's the biggest dog on your team.
00:08:45Stop it.
00:08:45But my point is, you're saying the other three players, Shaq, that are playing with Luka
00:08:50and LeBron, they deserve to play the whole quarter?
00:08:54That's important.
00:08:54That's, now, I watch the Lakers basketball team.
00:08:57Those three guys don't deserve to be in the game.
00:09:00He don't trust them.
00:09:01He don't trust them.
00:09:01But Gabe Vincent has been trustworthy in other places.
00:09:05The reason he's wrong.
00:09:06Now, if you want to play LeBron and Luka the whole game, I think it's wrong, but I can
00:09:12live with it.
00:09:13You're telling me them other three guys out there?
00:09:14That's what I just said.
00:09:15Them other three guys out there?
00:09:16That doesn't make sense.
00:09:17They're so much better than guys sitting on the bench.
00:09:21Really?
00:09:21No.
00:09:22Stop it.
00:09:22They're not.
00:09:23Knock it off.
00:09:23They're not.
00:09:24Stop it.
00:09:24I'm not defending this decision.
00:09:25I'm just saying.
00:09:26Oh, thank you.
00:09:26Okay.
00:09:26Please, thank you.
00:09:27I know you were mad.
00:09:28You're a Laker, too, so I understand you're talking like a championship Laker.
00:09:32Yeah, I'm saying fuck.
00:09:33Yeah, like, no, you've got to have some dogs.
00:09:35You've got to have Rick Fox.
00:09:36Define dog.
00:09:38Rick Fox.
00:09:39No, define dog.
00:09:41D. Scott.
00:09:41Brian Shaw.
00:09:42Yeah, what?
00:09:43Define dog, meaning a player is a dog when he...
00:09:47Kenny the Jetsmith.
00:09:49When he does what?
00:09:50Kenny's a dog.
00:09:51When you double my guy.
00:09:52You're right damn right, I am.
00:09:54You double my guy, and you leave me open, and they disrespect me, and you hit seven threes
00:09:58in the finals.
00:09:59That's a dog.
00:10:00Okay, that's the definition of a dog.
00:10:01The definition of a dog is a player that has intensity in moments when he is not the best
00:10:08player.
00:10:09And he likes to fight.
00:10:10There it is.
00:10:11He's all good.
00:10:12Like, you ain't scared at a moment just because the offense don't run through you.
00:10:16And that's a dog.
00:10:17Rick Fox was a dog.
00:10:19Bob Wood was a dog.
00:10:20Kevin Johnson.
00:10:21I think also...
00:10:22Tom Chambers.
00:10:22I'll be back with my road dog.
00:10:26Dan Marley was a dog.
00:10:27Yeah.
00:10:28You gotta be a dog.
00:10:29Dan Marley was a dog.
00:10:31Yes, he was.
00:10:31Mark West was a dog.
00:10:33Oh, yeah, big Mark.
00:10:34KJ.
00:10:35Kevin Johnson was a dog.
00:10:36Yep.
00:10:40Well played.
00:10:44Yes, they do.
00:10:45I agree.
00:10:47Aaron on top of it up there in audio.
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00:11:04Chuckster, you missed three out of four last night.
00:11:06It was not a good night for you last night.
00:11:08That's okay.
00:11:08I'm gonna make up for it tonight.
00:11:09Okay, good.
00:11:10What you got?
00:11:10I got Luka Doncic, 30 points.
00:11:13Anthony Edwards, 25.
00:11:14LeBron, 25.
00:11:15And Nas Reed, 10 points.
00:11:17You know what worries me?
00:11:18What?
00:11:18LeBron with 25.
00:11:20LeBron can't get 25 in a closeout game?
00:11:22She's gonna be more of a facilitator tonight.
00:11:24She better not be facilitator.
00:11:26Listen, pass the ball, LeBron.
00:11:28Score.
00:11:29Facilitate a trick.
00:11:30You know them other balls who can't play.
00:11:32You didn't put them in the game.
00:11:38Don't pass the ball to guys who can't.
00:11:40Tews is a young, fighting team.
00:11:42Can-Goon chiseling his way up.
00:11:44The crossover flies right down the middle.
00:11:46Got it again.
00:11:47The question is, can-Goon State close them up?
00:11:49The Golden State Warriors take a few games to one lead in this series.
00:11:53Go back home, play more physical.
00:11:55The series is not over yet.
00:11:57You expect two teams to not like each other.
00:11:59Dream on three.
00:12:00Water, all the smoke.
00:12:03When you have an opportunity to close, you want to do that.
00:12:09Downtown Houston has had its fair share of postseason moments over the years.
00:12:13And tonight, a young, ascending Rockets team that has had such a breakthrough season
00:12:19is officially on the clock as they try to save their season.
00:12:24As we welcome you to first-round coverage on TNT, it's presented by NerdWallet.
00:12:28All-important Game 5 as we are back in H-Town.
00:12:33The Golden State Warriors with a stranglehold 3-1 lead in the series tonight.
00:12:39Taking the floor as they try to turn out the lights on this upstart Houston Rockets team.
00:12:44A look at where these two teams sit.
00:12:46Winner of this one.
00:12:47Moving on and taking on the winner between the Lakers and Minnesota with the Timberwolves.
00:12:50A chance to close that thing out later tonight here on TNT.
00:12:53Hi, everyone.
00:12:54Welcome courtside here in Houston alongside Candace Parker.
00:12:57I'm Spiro Adidas.
00:12:58We'll hear from Dennis Scott in just a couple of minutes.
00:13:00We spent some time with both coaches.
00:13:02Steve Kerr told us this is his favorite scenario for Stephen Curry.
00:13:06Coming off kind of a subpar game by his own standards in a closeout situation, Candace,
00:13:11where he has burnished his postseason career.
00:13:13Well, Spiro, numbers don't lie.
00:13:15Check the scoreboard.
00:13:16Steph Curry in these scenarios is dangerous.
00:13:18You talk about Game 5 against Boston in the NBA Finals.
00:13:24He had subpar game, 16 points.
00:13:26Followed that up in Game 6.
00:13:28Clenched the title 34-7.
00:13:30And then Kings fans, I hate to bring this up, but 50 points in Game 7 against the Kings in 2023.
00:13:36Steph knows what it takes.
00:13:38And then there's the young superstar on the other side, Jalen Green.
00:13:40Combined 24 points in Game 1, 3, and 4.
00:13:44Game 2 in the Rockets' only win had 38.
00:13:47The Rockets need their young star to come out aggressive, get going downhill,
00:13:50and be decisive to extend the series.
00:13:53Second straight game in which we will see this starting five for Steve Kerr and Golden State.
00:13:59That includes Buddy Heald, who is sensational.
00:14:03Candace, really, at both ends of the floor in Game 4 in San Francisco.
00:14:06Some timely threes in that game.
00:14:08The defensive tone that he set.
00:14:11At the time, the question for Houston, can Jalen Green get his offensive game going?
00:14:16Well, I think this is going to be a game about the others.
00:14:20Yes, the stars are going to have to be stars,
00:14:22but it's definitely going to be about the other guys and what they can bring and how they can set the table.
00:14:28And it has been chippy, to say the least.
00:14:31Dylan Brooks, Jimmy Butler mixing it up the other night.
00:14:33We've got a really good veteran officiating crew here to try to keep order.
00:14:39Zach Zarbich, Sean Wright, Nick Booker.
00:14:43Our alternate official tonight is John Butler.
00:14:45And in our replay command center tonight, we've got Jason Goble.
00:14:48In a lot of ways this series so far has played in line to what the narrative was going in, Candace.
00:14:57Golden State, playoff, championship pedigree, all their experience.
00:15:01Houston was super talented, dynamic, but little to no playoff experience.
00:15:07And that has manifested itself late in games.
00:15:10Well, you can't teach experience without experiencing it.
00:15:13Golden State Warriors, as they get the first bucket off of a drawn-up first play,
00:15:18they have been here before many, many, many times.
00:15:22And the Rockets haven't.
00:15:24And so the only way to learn from that is to go through those experiences.
00:15:28And a lot of Rockets players have said that they have learned from these end-of-game situations.
00:15:34Steele hit at the other end, a run out for a heel, a little bit too much.
00:15:39It was Draymond Green coming up with a steal
00:15:41after he had the biggest stop of the night.
00:15:44And then Jalen Green on the attack.
00:15:46We get a whistle on the perimeter.
00:15:47And talking to Imei Adoka
00:15:49in the first and before the game,
00:15:52Imei was talking about how they have to get Jalen Green getting downhill.
00:15:56And that requires the post players to get up the floor,
00:15:59set screens, and get him downhill
00:16:01before the Golden State Warriors defense is set.
00:16:04You see how Adoka's teams have performed,
00:16:06but it's his team has been on the brink.
00:16:08This thing is only here as Boston's head coach
00:16:11and one of the finalists team that ended up losing to see Golden State.
00:16:15Jalen Green somehow gets it to drop.
00:16:19And what an encouraging early sign for the Rockets.
00:16:22And for a young player to have that first basket go in right here,
00:16:28doing exactly what you want to do.
00:16:30Steph Curry got the foul on that one.
00:16:33Draymond had to get the take foul,
00:16:35so two of Golden State's superstars already have won.
00:16:38I mean, going to the basket is what we have seen time and time again
00:16:43from this explosive young star.
00:16:45Can Houston perform better also tonight, Candice, at the free throw line?
00:16:5135 missed free throws really has been maybe the major headline
00:16:56in terms of why they're down in this 3-1 series deficit at this point.
00:16:59He was branded to Jemsky.
00:17:01He was just magnificent the other night,
00:17:03and he picks up where he left off.
00:17:05The Rockets go into that zone early.
00:17:07Golden State took some time to figure out this zone in this series
00:17:11as Jemsky knocks down a 3 from beyond the arc.
00:17:15Playoff career-high 26 points.
00:17:18So many gigantic 3s down the stretch.
00:17:20Alvarin Shingun.
00:17:23And that was smart.
00:17:24That's another taste of Draymond.
00:17:25That was smart of Shingun to go at Draymond.
00:17:27Draymond already has one early foul.
00:17:30Jemsky being chased by Shingun.
00:17:32Interestingly, Draymond Green connects from deep.
00:17:36Uh-oh.
00:17:38Uh-oh.
00:17:39Has Green joined the party from beyond the arc?
00:17:43Interesting to see the cross match,
00:17:45and we saw Shingun try to chase the Jemsky around the floor the other night.
00:17:49As Dylan Brooks had that shot partially blocked.
00:17:53And a defensive intensity here to start at both ends of the floor.
00:17:57And you alluded to the importance of the free throw line for this Rockets team.
00:18:01I mean, in the playoffs, you don't reinvent yourself.
00:18:04You don't become something you're not.
00:18:05They struggle from the free throw line in the regular season.
00:18:08Only shooting 73% in the 30th in the league from the free throw line.
00:18:14So, in the playoffs, we understand how important it is to capitalize on those points from the charity strike.
00:18:20First personal charge to Jimmy Butler.
00:18:24Not only were they at the bottom of the league this year in free throw percentage,
00:18:27but one of the worst seasons that we've seen by any team at the free throw line
00:18:31over the first four games of a series.
00:18:35But also to note, the Bucs that year won the championship.
00:18:39So, you can win while not capitalizing from the free throw line.
00:18:44You always like to dig a little deeper with the stats.
00:18:46That's why I love you.
00:18:47Stephanie Curry on the perimeter, chased around by Thompson.
00:18:50Projemski left open.
00:18:52It hasn't been a good idea in this series.
00:18:55But he leaves it open.
00:18:56Curry, first look.
00:18:58And the one-handed snag rebound by Green.
00:19:04So, Golden State, two of their first four from the three-point line.
00:19:08And you can just see, with each trip up and down the floor,
00:19:20Jalen Green's confidence is growing.
00:19:22You get to the basket, get to the free throw line,
00:19:24see the ball go in, and then the three.
00:19:26Just so easy and flowing.
00:19:29Jimmy Butler, his first take.
00:19:30That's well short.
00:19:32So, Golden State now three of seven from the field.
00:19:35And Houston with possession.
00:19:38They go to Brooks on the box.
00:19:41Trying to take advantage of Curry.
00:19:43Now to Shang-Goon.
00:19:45And we get a whistle.
00:19:47And a defensive three-second violation against Golden State.
00:19:51Talk about right here, Shang-Goon,
00:19:53you need your bigs to get your guards open.
00:19:56Talk about a screen.
00:19:58A playoff screen right there.
00:20:00For Shang-Goon to free up Jalen Green for a nice, easy three.
00:20:05So, Van Vliet.
00:20:07He was terrific in game.
00:20:09425 points missed that.
00:20:13Potential massive three in the closing seconds at the free throw line.
00:20:16There's Steve Kerr.
00:20:19Highest playoff win percentage of all time.
00:20:2171%.
00:20:23Passed Larry Brown.
00:20:24Sixth most playoff wins ever.
00:20:26Legendary coaching career.
00:20:30And that's just as a coach.
00:20:32We haven't even talked about playing.
00:20:35Alperin Shang-Goon.
00:20:38Five-point Houston lead.
00:20:39They've scored eight unanswered.
00:20:43Steph Curry, how did they track him in the front court?
00:20:46Now to Pujemski.
00:20:47Shang-Goon played off.
00:20:49And Golden State called here at the start.
00:20:51Van Vliet steps back.
00:20:59Knocked around.
00:21:00Curry clears.
00:21:02With that lift for field.
00:21:04Houston back.
00:21:05Golden State didn't have numbers.
00:21:07Pujemski drives and kicks.
00:21:08Curry pull-up three.
00:21:10Missed it.
00:21:11Little bit of contact.
00:21:13Curry is arguing Candice about the no call.
00:21:20Get a loose ball foul on the other side.
00:21:23And rightfully so.
00:21:24Curry has played through contact this entire series.
00:21:27You talk about one of the most physical games in game one.
00:21:30You see this right here.
00:21:31I mean, both of them caught him on a jump shot.
00:21:35They've got to call that.
00:21:37Here comes Dillon Brooks.
00:21:39Leaning to the cup.
00:21:41And more free throws coming up for Houston.
00:21:44And if that thing is on Jimmy Butler, that's going to be his second personal.
00:21:51Nope.
00:21:52They give it to Curry.
00:21:53So that'll be Curry's second.
00:21:57Even a bigger call.
00:21:58Yeah, what you don't want is, one, to feel like you got fouled on one end.
00:22:03And then, two, to come down and pick up your second early foul.
00:22:07Obviously, Steve Kerr trusts Curry.
00:22:11The NBA on TNT is brought to you by the Kia Telluride X-Line.
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00:22:25Let's check in with Dennis Scott.
00:22:27Well, Candice, I had a chance to talk to Steph before the game here.
00:22:30He talked about he's seen everything thrown at him before.
00:22:33But the Rockets are being a little more physical than usual.
00:22:37So the question is, how does he continue to stay patient?
00:22:40If the ball moves the way it does with organized chaos,
00:22:43a look of Steph that can lose here eventually.
00:22:45And you're right, 3D.
00:22:47He's seen every defense.
00:22:48But what you cannot predict is the way in which the refs are going to call
00:22:52the physicality in the game.
00:22:55You have a foul on one end, and then you come down and pick up your second on the other.
00:22:59But at the end of the day, I think the Rockets right now are having their way.
00:23:05They're knocking down the free throws.
00:23:07They're 6 of 6 thus far.
00:23:09They're in the bonus with 7.44 left.
00:23:12And they're honestly taking a page out of Golden State's book
00:23:15and doing to Golden State what they've done since they've acquired Jimmy Butler.
00:23:19So, Matt Thompson to the line.
00:23:21Houston is now 7 of 7 at the free throw line.
00:23:25Steve Kerr said something interesting to us when we sat with him before the game.
00:23:29He's very cognizant of what the schedule looks like for the last three potential games of this series.
00:23:34Only one day off in between.
00:23:35He said, look, very little rest, cross-country flights.
00:23:39I've got an older team.
00:23:40We'll see how this thing goes tonight early.
00:23:43See how long we can potentially chase it.
00:23:47As Golden State right now playing in an early hole.
00:23:49Well, you talk about the schedule.
00:23:50Early on, it worked to their benefit in having an older team having two days rest in between games 1 and 2.
00:23:57Follow the kick field, corner 3.
00:24:02And right now, Golden State is 3 of 10 in the field.
00:24:05They're 2 of 7 from deep.
00:24:07And then Thompson goes right into Curry.
00:24:09Good movement.
00:24:10Van Vliet.
00:24:11And it is all Houston at the start.
00:24:2115 straight for the Rockets as they throw the first punch on TNT.
00:24:26Five NBA playoffs are presented by Google.
00:24:32Packed house here in Houston.
00:24:33Better than 18,000.
00:24:35And what a start for the Rockets.
00:24:36Up 20 to 8.
00:24:37They've scored 15 unanswered.
00:24:39As we check in once again with 3D.
00:24:42All right.
00:24:43Thanks, Spiro.
00:24:44I had a chance to go by a shoot-around today and talk to the young Rockets.
00:24:47And try to get a pulse on how you feel being down 3-1.
00:24:50And all the guys said the right things.
00:24:52Take care of the details.
00:24:53Make free throws.
00:24:54But more importantly, Candice, get off to a fast start the first five minutes what we've seen.
00:24:59Jalen Green attacking.
00:25:01Shingun attacking.
00:25:02So my question for you, Candice, as a player that got double-teamed every time,
00:25:06how long do you leave Steph Curry on the floor with these two only games?
00:25:11Well, 3D, I think you trust your superstar.
00:25:14You can't have Steph Curry off the floor.
00:25:17Just on the offensive end, he has a gravitational pull.
00:25:19But he's got to be smart to not pick up those early fouls
00:25:24as Post knocks down a much-needed 3 from beyond the arc.
00:25:29But the Rockets, if you would have picked a perfect scenario,
00:25:33you look at this, 2 of 3 from 3, 5 of 6 from the field,
00:25:36and 8 for 8 from the free-throw line, and they're in the bonus.
00:25:39In their 1 win in Game 2, they shot 80% from the free-throw line.
00:25:44They have to knock it down from the charity store.
00:25:46Oh, a beautiful set-up.
00:25:48Smart play.
00:25:49Shingun the lob underneath to Brooks.
00:25:52And the Rockets' lead is 11.
00:25:56Early points in the paint tally.
00:25:58As Houston has now scored on six straight trips.
00:26:02Gary Payton also into the game for Golden State.
00:26:05Here's Post, the guy who has really earned the trust of Steve Kerr
00:26:08and his Golden State staff,
00:26:10as he has scored five straight for the Warriors.
00:26:12When I asked Reggie Miller, I called him up.
00:26:14He did the last game with the best Kevin Harlan.
00:26:18He said it's about the others, and I have to agree.
00:26:21The others have to step up.
00:26:22Kuzinski was huge last game.
00:26:26And Quentin Post knocked down some big shots for them to end runs.
00:26:29And, speaking of which, GP2 as well.
00:26:32Payton misses on the corner 3.
00:26:35So Golden State on a 3 of 9 from the 3-point line.
00:26:38Jalen Green red hot at the start.
00:26:41Rockets going to reset.
00:26:43Looked like Jalen Green with a bit of a grimace.
00:26:45He's in some pain in the corner.
00:26:46It's Brooks opposite side.
00:26:49And he connects.
00:26:51And Dylan Brooks has been aggressive thus far in this game.
00:26:55Only seven attempts last game.
00:26:57Four of seven.
00:26:59Look at Ahmed Thompson, his defensive instincts.
00:27:02Thompson to the rack.
00:27:04Post was there.
00:27:05Thompson puts his hard hat on.
00:27:10And a chance at 3.
00:27:13As Houston extends to a 14-point cushion.
00:27:18And right here, you talk about Ahmed Thompson, one of the best defenders in the league.
00:27:23Give it up.
00:27:24And Van Fleet knows who to get it back to.
00:27:27Just athletic.
00:27:28Comes down with it.
00:27:30Goes through the contact.
00:27:31A little extra conversation.
00:27:37We've had a little bit of that in that series.
00:27:40Ahmed Thompson and GP2.
00:27:42Look at Dylan Brooks.
00:27:43Boy.
00:27:44Brooks not usually the guy playing the role of peacemaker.
00:27:48Trying to diffuse the situation quickly.
00:27:52Officials had a little bit of a conference, but nothing extra.
00:27:54Dennis, what do you got?
00:27:58Dennis, this is the part we talked about back in our meeting.
00:28:01Emotion versus emotion mode.
00:28:03We've got to keep your cool as you continue to play well during this ballgame.
00:28:07Yes, 3-D, but it's the fire that you've got to play with.
00:28:09You've got to play with an intensity.
00:28:11Ahmed Thompson looks like on the defensive end.
00:28:14Drive-in kick.
00:28:17Green.
00:28:18It's about the only thing that hasn't gotten right so far for the Rockets.
00:28:23And Golden State weathered this early storm.
00:28:25They're down 15 points.
00:28:28Payton into the paint.
00:28:29Guarded by Green.
00:28:30For Jemski, Zach Sarber blows his whistle.
00:28:35They're going to get Dylan Brooks.
00:28:38That'll be his first.
00:28:39Only the second team foul.
00:28:41And decided to bounce for Golden State.
00:28:47But those Golden State turnovers, Candice, have been an issue.
00:28:51Not only this year, when they have struggled, that has usually been the culprits.
00:28:55Now Jalen Green is going to be looked at on that Rockets bench.
00:28:58Well, you said it right, Spiro.
00:29:00Golden State needs to take care of the ball.
00:29:02The Rockets, that has been their issue.
00:29:05Talk about 17 turnovers in their loss last game.
00:29:09Golden State, four early turnovers in this first half.
00:29:13And that's less shots on goal, less rhythm for their superstars.
00:29:17Dutton has to fire with the shot clock down to one.
00:29:19Sloppy possession for Golden State.
00:29:21A great defense by the Rockets.
00:29:25Steven Adams is checking in for the Rockets.
00:29:27Van Vliet.
00:29:28They are scalding hot here at the start.
00:29:32And Steve Kerr wants a timeout.
00:29:37And sometimes you don't know the moment when you're young.
00:29:40Rockets team coming out fearless has the Rockets up big.
00:29:44That will get a laugh.
00:29:51Don't forget to download the FanDuel Sports app.
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00:29:58And it pays out instantly.
00:30:00So Slim, do you know Warriors close out tonight or the Rockets?
00:30:05We're going back to the Bay.
00:30:07Oh, my gosh.
00:30:08That means there's a lot of food there.
00:30:09Slim is coming to town.
00:30:10Why are they making fun of Chuck?
00:30:14I think Chuck looks good.
00:30:16A little more stuff these days.
00:30:17I think he looks good, too.
00:30:2018-point game.
00:30:22Jalen Green, by the way, just walked into the Houston locker room.
00:30:25Try to work on that knee that he banged.
00:30:29And now he's on a stationary bike into the tunnel towards the locker room.
00:30:32Yes, Guy Santos.
00:30:35Big shot for the Warriors.
00:30:37You realize when you have Steven Adams,
00:30:39the counter move that Steve Kerr has made
00:30:42is having Adams guard a shooter that can step out
00:30:45and knock down the three.
00:30:46Santos doing a great job back-screening
00:30:48and then knocking down the triple.
00:30:51Santos, who played only one minute
00:30:52in game four the other night in San Francisco.
00:30:57Here's Van Fleet.
00:30:58That's a deep three, and the Rockets just can't miss five of eight from deep.
00:31:04And Van Fleet, eight threes last game, lit it up for 25.6 assists as GP2 right back.
00:31:13It's a shootout early in this game, but yet to score Curry and Jimmy Butler.
00:31:19I saw Jalen Green back on that Houston bench on encouraging sign.
00:31:26I'll show you that last replay where he banged knees as Van Fleet able to draw a contact.
00:31:31This was where he banged knees with Curry.
00:31:34Steph barely flinched.
00:31:36And Jalen Green in a world of pain.
00:31:37Candice, you've done that a couple of times in your career.
00:31:44Show them try to get some heat on that knee.
00:31:48And as Van Fleet gets it to take his free throws.
00:31:52Candice, what do you see him so far in this game now?
00:31:54Just over three minutes left in the quarter
00:31:56with Alpour and Shen going back in for Houston.
00:31:59Well, the Rockets, a master class on the offensive end.
00:32:03They're capitalizing in transition.
00:32:05They're doing it in the half court.
00:32:06They're knocking down threes, and they're getting to the charity stripe.
00:32:10Getting to the stripe early allows your guys to build confidence.
00:32:13You see the ball go in, and they're not leaving points on the board.
00:32:1711 for 11 from the football.
00:32:22Curry rebounds for Butler.
00:32:26Excellent move with a fine post.
00:32:29Trying to give Golden State a shot in the arm off the bench.
00:32:32Zach Zarba asking for help,
00:32:34and the officials are going to give it to the Rockets.
00:32:36Steve Kerr, they have to be encouraged.
00:32:41They've had to win a game in this series without Jimmy Butler.
00:32:43And you see that pelvic contusion.
00:32:45And they won the last game, Candice,
00:32:47despite the fact that Steph Curry did not have one of those superhuman games.
00:32:52Just 17 points.
00:32:54So they've won multiple ways in the series.
00:32:56But they've got their hands full tonight.
00:32:59One or three from Tari Eason.
00:33:01And a loose ball foul underneath against Houston.
00:33:04And it takes three to four players to box out Steven Adams.
00:33:09He's made his entire career controlling the offensive glass.
00:33:13He's brought that to Houston this year as they lead the league in offensive rebounds.
00:33:18But Golden State in this series have capitalized more on second chance points than the Rockets.
00:33:25They're leading 50-31 over the last three games.
00:33:29So the Rockets have to do a better job getting the offensive board,
00:33:31but then knocking it down and making Golden State pay.
00:33:34Steph Curry sits.
00:33:35He's played nine scoreless minutes, 0-2.
00:33:38Santos!
00:33:39So Santos and Post each off the bench with two threes in the quarter.
00:33:45Well, before the game, talking to Imei Udoka, we asked him about the zone.
00:33:48We said, we just cover our area.
00:33:51Sometimes we don't know what we're doing.
00:33:52We just hustle and play aggressive.
00:33:54And Golden State happened to figure out a way to counter that.
00:33:59Shangoon stumbles, lost his balance.
00:34:02And now Golden State looking to push.
00:34:04Rare fast break opportunity.
00:34:06Payton backdoor.
00:34:07Boy, nifty finish.
00:34:08And this is where you have to be careful through the Rockets.
00:34:10You've done all this work to get out to this huge lead.
00:34:13You've controlled every facet of the game.
00:34:15Cannot turn the ball over.
00:34:17And especially the live ball turnovers against this talented Golden State team
00:34:21as Van Fleet is carrying over from where he left off in game four.
00:34:27Van Fleet, 25 points to lead Houston in game four.
00:34:33As we come up on the final minute of the quarter, Payton too much.
00:34:39Van Fleet, by the way, has hit the last eight points for the Rockets.
00:34:4414-point Houston lead.
00:34:46Van Fleet has been a maestro for this team.
00:34:48Shangoon.
00:34:52Shot clock at nine, Van Fleet.
00:34:55Shangoon is super skilled big, and contact is going to put him at the free throw line.
00:35:00And not settling.
00:35:02We've seen the dominance of Shang-Goon just coming off of 31 and 10 and 5.
00:35:10Not settling for that jump shot, which he's okay, can knock it down.
00:35:14But he has been dominant in the restricted area.
00:35:24Don't miss a playoff moment with the NBA app.
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00:35:35Crazy to think this kid is still only 22.
00:35:37He doesn't turn 23 until July.
00:35:40The only other Rock at age 23 or under, Candice, the average 20 points or more in a series.
00:35:46The great Kehim Olajuwon, who did it five times, age 23 or less.
00:35:51And look who is seated just to our right.
00:35:54One of the all-time legends in the history of the NBA.
00:35:57I wonder how many times people go up to him and give him a little dream show.
00:36:03So many people have watched this man play basketball and have tried to emulate his patented footwork, spin moves.
00:36:13He still looks great.
00:36:14Great to see him in the flesh here in Houston.
00:36:18What a star power here for Game 5 today.
00:36:20Final 46 seconds of the quarter.
00:36:23Buddy Heald.
00:36:24Look at the breakdown.
00:36:25Starters versus the bench.
00:36:29Shot clock at one.
00:36:30Butler has to fire again.
00:36:31It's the second time in the quarter.
00:36:33Butler has had it in his hands with the shot clock expiring.
00:36:36And these are great defensive possessions for the Rockets.
00:36:41Without Steph Curry on the floor, going to that zone that has given the Warriors problems.
00:36:47Because what the zone does is it takes the ball out of your primary playmaker's hands.
00:36:53Automatically, whenever the offense sees a zone, you obviously become stagnant a little bit.
00:36:58So Golden State has to figure out how to get the ball moving and attack the gaps.
00:37:03Steve Kerr said we were watching tape of Houston's zone the other night.
00:37:07And we couldn't figure out what they were doing.
00:37:09As Shang-Goon goes, Euro step and post gets him with the block.
00:37:13And then he said, then we realize they really don't know what they're doing with their zone.
00:37:17They're kind of all over the place.
00:37:19With all the dynamism that the Rockets have with their defense.
00:37:24One of the reasons why they've had such a sensational season.
00:37:26Shot clock at eight.
00:37:27Butler gets a screen.
00:37:29They're going to get Post moving, leaning on the pick.
00:37:32And another Golden State turnover.
00:37:35Second personal on Post.
00:37:41And right here, one of the few mistakes Post has made.
00:37:45Doesn't get set.
00:37:47Gets called for a correct moving screen.
00:37:50In this series, you never know, though.
00:37:52Mm-hmm.
00:37:53Good sign for the Rockets.
00:37:55Jalen Green back in.
00:37:57Does not have any wrap on that knee.
00:38:01Rockets.
00:38:02Final seven seconds of the quarter.
00:38:04A man Thompson double-teamed.
00:38:06Draymond picks his pocket.
00:38:08Three-on-two.
00:38:09Payton pull-up three.
00:38:10Gets it off cleanly.
00:38:11And that thing nearly dropped as it takes us to the end of the first quarter.
00:38:17And a fast start for the Houston Rockets.
00:38:20Can they answer the bell tonight with their season hanging in the balance?
00:38:25First-round coverage on TNT is presented by NerdWaller.
00:38:30Oh, Fred VanVleet magnificent in game four.
00:38:38And he has picked up where he left off, trying to get the Rockets back to the bay for game six.
00:38:44Beats have a couple of seconds to go.
00:38:45Dennis with Gary Payton.
00:38:47All right.
00:38:49Thanks, guys.
00:38:50GP, defensively, how do you slow these guys down?
00:38:52You knew they were going to come out with more fight tonight.
00:38:54We can't turn on the ball.
00:38:56Where they score is they capitalize on our turnovers and come get layups.
00:38:59So we take care of the ball.
00:39:00We'll be in a good spot.
00:39:01We've got to clean it up.
00:39:02In game four, you was getting that corner three in the zone.
00:39:04How do you guys get more open looks in that zone they're playing?
00:39:07Just hit the middle and spread out from there.
00:39:09You know, once it hits the middle, collapse.
00:39:11It's our spot, our shooters, and it's make shots.
00:39:12Appreciate it.
00:39:14All right, Dennis.
00:39:15Five turnovers by Golden State as Jabari Smith able to put it down, getting into the paint.
00:39:20So they're leading right back to 18.
00:39:22But good signs for Houston all over the place, Candace.
00:39:24Their highest scoring quarter so far of the series.
00:39:27Yes, and their second highest was game two.
00:39:30Got out to a 28-18 lead in their only victory in the series.
00:39:35As Golden State has to figure out how to move against this zone.
00:39:42Jimmy Butler, good, hard fake.
00:39:44Thompson flew by him.
00:39:46As that has been a common theme today, taking shots at the end of a shot clock.
00:39:53Alperin Shingun, and it's a 20-point lead for the Rockets.
00:39:58And Alperin comfortably stepping into that.
00:40:01Stephen Curry-Kandis is 0-2, yet to score.
00:40:04Jimmy Butler is 0-4, and he is scoreless as well.
00:40:08But let's talk about the type of shots that the Stars are getting.
00:40:11Rockets are doing a great job of being up to touch.
00:40:15And this zone has given Golden State problems.
00:40:17It's not even touching the paint, which is the purpose of the Rockets to keep Golden State from touching the paint.
00:40:24And then when the ball goes into the paint, it sprays out.
00:40:26And that's when they get open threes.
00:40:28Aaron Holliday for his chance at some run here tonight.
00:40:33Out of Shingun.
00:40:34Underneath.
00:40:35An exquisite pass.
00:40:37What a backdoor cut.
00:40:38Thompson.
00:40:39And they are carving up this Golden State defense.
00:40:43A 22-point lead as we play early stages second quarter.
00:40:52Stroud coverage on TNT is presented by NerdWallet.
00:40:57It has been a dominant start to Game 5 for the Rockets.
00:41:01And Candice, you've been impressed with their defense so far.
00:41:03Yes, the Rockets going to this zone in these games.
00:41:09And the Golden State Warriors have not mastered how to attack it, although they've seen it within the series.
00:41:13Three seconds, there's a number of these offensive possessions for Golden State.
00:41:18And then what does it do?
00:41:19It ignites the Rockets in transition.
00:41:21They want to play in flow.
00:41:23They want to play without playing against a half-court set defense.
00:41:28And they have exerted that aspect of the game so well.
00:41:33It's early.
00:41:33And that's why they're up 22.
00:41:36Golden State has had some issues against this Houston defense that so many teams had this year.
00:41:42But a nice little backdoor cut for Jim State.
00:41:44And Shingun with the theft.
00:41:47But the Rockets held Golden State to 45% shooting or less in their final four matchups
00:41:52in the regular season.
00:41:55And they held Golden State to 93 points per game in the two games that they won during the season.
00:42:00That is Smith!
00:42:02And Golden State trying anything, falling into a zone.
00:42:07And Jabari Smith Jr. just knocks it down.
00:42:12The Rockets are playing with extreme confidence right now.
00:42:15And they're doing it off of their defense.
00:42:17A man Thompson unable to complete the floater.
00:42:22Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler on the Golden State bench.
00:42:26As they play Candice in a 25-point hole.
00:42:29So a really precarious spot.
00:42:31Another Warriors turnover.
00:42:33And what has been a nightmare start here in Game 5.
00:42:36And it goes back to what Coach Kerr said.
00:42:39They've got three shots at closing this out.
00:42:41Do you ride your starters in this game and risk not having rest or legs when you have to play again in two days?
00:42:52We've got plenty of time to try to turn this thing around.
00:42:54Houston turns it over.
00:42:55As we play early stages in the second quarter.
00:43:01Boy, the sloppiness continues for Golden State.
00:43:06And Houston 13-2 with Curry on the bench.
00:43:10But it really hasn't mattered on the floor, off the floor.
00:43:12This zone is giving Golden State some problems.
00:43:17So we cross the 9-minute mark.
00:43:19Thompson on the attack.
00:43:22Jabari Smith Jr. out to Holiday for three.
00:43:26And a long rebound to Moody.
00:43:31This is the 10th meeting of the season between these two.
00:43:34Remember, they made five times during the regular season, one of which was in the NBA Cup.
00:43:38Golden State took three of those five.
00:43:43And came here tonight with a chance to close out this series.
00:43:45It has not been their night so far as Santos misses from deep.
00:43:52And just to be clear, this last offensive possession, without Butler, without Curry, the ball has not even touched the team.
00:44:00And the ball is over their heads.
00:44:04There's stagnant on the offensive end.
00:44:08And having to heave shots at the end of the shot clock.
00:44:11Fishers are going to get Shangoon here on a reach-in foul.
00:44:14That will be the first against Houston.
00:44:18Jalen Green, Tari Eason back in.
00:44:20Here comes Curry and Kavon Looney.
00:44:23First time we've seen Looney tonight here in Game 5.
00:44:26Well, you saw that graphic.
00:44:29Five minutes and 49 seconds with no points for Golden State.
00:44:34Two superstars in Butler and Curry are 0 of 6 from the field each.
00:44:42Zero.
00:44:45Golden State trying to become only the seventh, seventh seed to get to a conference semifinal.
00:44:52On this team to do it, the Lakers, two years ago.
00:44:56Before that, it was San Antonio in 2010.
00:44:59As we get contact here, Curry gets right to work.
00:45:03So if you've just hopped on with this, Candace, we are a couple of minutes into the second quarter.
00:45:08Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler still scoreless.
00:45:12And they are making Golden State work on the offensive end.
00:45:16And Golden State is struggling to find offensive weapons as that is the ninth or tenth field goal that has just been a heap.
00:45:29Oh, this is getting unbelievable now with how Houston's defense has completely thrown Golden State off.
00:45:37Here comes Jalen Green, the drive and kick.
00:45:39Eason.
00:45:43And all of that was Jalen Green getting to the paint, playing smart, and finding his three-point shooter in the corner.
00:45:53Houston has scored 12 straight to begin the second.
00:45:56And Golden State still surging for points.
00:46:02And this is how Houston Rockets like to play.
00:46:05In flow, getting downhill as such.
00:46:10As they have put Golden State on their heels.
00:46:13We talk about offense impacting defense.
00:46:16Well, let's talk about the other way.
00:46:20Santos fouled.
00:46:21He'll shoot free throws.
00:46:22Golden State, Kansas has missed eight straight shots.
00:46:30And these have been contested shots all over the gym.
00:46:35And a lot of it has to do with the way in which they're attacking the Rockets' defense.
00:46:41They haven't gone north-south.
00:46:43They're doing a lot of passing east to west.
00:46:45First free throws of the night for the Warriors.
00:46:53The NBA on TNT is brought to you by Visible.
00:46:57Score fast speeds and great coverage with Visible.
00:47:00Sellout crowd here in Houston.
00:47:04Spiro Ditas, Candice Parker, Dennis Scott.
00:47:07Our producer for Bobby, Brent Cristiano, our director.
00:47:10Rest of our sensational TNT crew.
00:47:12Moses Mooney on his stick back.
00:47:15Trying to breathe some life into the Warriors.
00:47:17Great second chance point.
00:47:20Goes up with the two-hand slam.
00:47:22First points for Golden State in seven minutes.
00:47:26As they finally get a bucket in the quarter.
00:47:31Brent Thompson's kick is intercepted by Santos.
00:47:35Curry and Moody.
00:47:37Moody attacking and quickly.
00:47:40And Moody giving Golden State some life off the bench.
00:47:44In transition.
00:47:46Off that second chance point.
00:47:48It's been Golden State's bench that has got it done so far.
00:47:52Officials are going to get Looney here.
00:47:53But Moody trying to show some life.
00:47:59And breathe some life, Candice, into this Golden State team.
00:48:01Talk about being in constant search of a play that will turn the game around.
00:48:07That's what you try to do, especially early when you're down big.
00:48:11And Moody doing a great job coming in off the bench.
00:48:13Like I said, the bench for Golden State has been exceptional.
00:48:16If you look at it, they've got 21 points of the 29 points that Golden State has.
00:48:26What a journey it's been for Jalen Green.
00:48:28Still only 23 years of age.
00:48:30Bay Area products.
00:48:32Five-star recruit coming up.
00:48:36Golden State's backyard.
00:48:37He turned down several major programs to join the G League at night.
00:48:43And what a ride of his dream that has led him to Houston.
00:48:46Finally, Steph Curry gets his first points.
00:48:49Steph Curry's first three first points on the night.
00:48:52With Jalen Green, let's go back.
00:48:53Mentally, to come off of struggling as a young player.
00:48:57That's the hardest thing is the mental game.
00:48:59And trusting your skills of what has gotten you there.
00:49:02Not being hesitant.
00:49:03He hasn't in this game five.
00:49:08Golden State trying to work quickly again.
00:49:10Butler.
00:49:12They eventually get it to Curry.
00:49:14Three-pointer short.
00:49:16And the officials say loose ball foul against Looney.
00:49:22Clean look for Curry.
00:49:23Didn't have a ton of space.
00:49:26And he is now one for four from deep.
00:49:29So a 23-point lead.
00:49:37He made Udoka.
00:49:38Got this team to 41 wins last year.
00:49:40His first year in Houston.
00:49:43This season, a two-seed.
00:49:46Amazing job at his man for Udoka and his staff.
00:49:49Udoka finalist for Coach of the Year.
00:49:52Shang-Goon over the top of Looney Short.
00:49:55I'd like to see Shang-Goon just touch and shoot like he did.
00:49:59The four where he knocked down a nice little 15-footer.
00:50:02Moody, quarter three.
00:50:03No good.
00:50:05Offensive rebound, Looney.
00:50:07Back to Moody.
00:50:09Two stabs at it.
00:50:11Curry mixing it up.
00:50:14Santos is going to pull.
00:50:16And the officials say loose ball foul.
00:50:20As Brooks and Butler get tangled up underneath.
00:50:23And if you're the Rockets, you want to look to close this quarter with the momentum that you came into this game with.
00:50:31In transition.
00:50:33In flow.
00:50:34Relying on your defense.
00:50:35You don't want to give Golden State any hope going into halftime.
00:50:39So these next few minutes could determine the game, really.
00:50:46Four-team foul charge to the Rockets.
00:50:49Moody working against Shang-Goon.
00:50:50Shot clock is down to four.
00:50:51They've got to hurry.
00:50:53Now to Looney.
00:50:55Looney's going to shoot.
00:50:56It's hit by Butler.
00:50:58And this is going to put Houston over the limit.
00:51:02Boy, it hasn't been pretty for Golden State, but they're working awfully hard.
00:51:07And now Jimmy Butler to the free throw line with four and change left in his first half.
00:51:14As we take a little peek at the upcoming playoff schedule.
00:51:18What a fun ride it's been so far in this NBA postseason.
00:51:21TNT has a couple of game sixes tomorrow.
00:51:23Knicks Pistons.
00:51:24What a series that has been.
00:51:25Denver Nuggets, what a performance last night as that series heads back to Los Angeles.
00:51:31NBA.com or visit the NBA app for the complete playoff schedule.
00:51:36Well, I'll tell you something.
00:51:37That Cade Cunningham put the world on notice.
00:51:41Going into MSG and getting the victory.
00:51:45I mean, it is so much fun watching him play.
00:51:49Our producer, Burt Bondi, was quite pleased with Cade Cunningham's performance last night.
00:51:54Detroit native Vets.
00:51:55Very partial.
00:51:57Torrey Eason in tight.
00:52:00He's giving them some good minutes off the bench.
00:52:03That ends a 9-1 Golden State run.
00:52:07Curry working against Eason on the perimeter.
00:52:09A couple of fakes got Eason to bite.
00:52:11Curry was in a ton of contact, but enough to get the attention of the officials.
00:52:17As Sean Wright blows the whistle, and Curry to the free throw line.
00:52:22Right here, Eason leaning in.
00:52:25Curry's savvy.
00:52:27Able to get him to bite on those fakes and get to the charity strike.
00:52:32So, three free throws for Curry.
00:52:4093% at the free throw line this season.
00:52:44See, Steph's still wearing that wrap on his right thumb, that splint.
00:52:48That's what we've seen from him the last couple of weeks.
00:52:53Curry, if you've just joined us, one of four from the field.
00:52:56All four of his shots have come from three.
00:52:58And it's Gary Payton, the second will come in for Moody.
00:53:10Curry, who has been just a nightmare for this Houston franchise over the years.
00:53:15Look at that stretch where these two teams met four times in five years in the postseason.
00:53:20Curry, some amazing closeout game performances.
00:53:23Shang-Goon, that delicate touch in tight.
00:53:29He has made his career off that pocket pass as Curry puts Eason on roller skates on that play.
00:53:37That pull-up, like I said, sometimes as a shooter, I don't know.
00:53:413D can probably take this one, but all you got to do is see one go in.
00:53:45No question about that, Channing.
00:53:46You see one go down, you pick up the pace, play a little defensive, and the Warriors might get back in the ballgame.
00:53:51Boy, Eason's becoming a problem underneath for Golden State.
00:53:59Golden State just cannot string together many stops as Curry misses top of the circle.
00:54:06He's now 2 of 6 from the Eason looking for more, and the officials are going to get him on a charge.
00:54:11And that's understandable.
00:54:14The Rockets want to play fast.
00:54:16Eason doing a great job on the last possession, but Steph giving up his body and getting the correct offensive foul.
00:54:2610th postseason for Steph Curry.
00:54:31152nd playoff game of his career.
00:54:33How much does he got left in the tank here in this first half of Game 5?
00:54:45Jimmy Butler's still looking for his first bucket.
00:54:47He's 0 for 6, turns the corner, and lays it in.
00:54:51And contact!
00:54:52And playoff Jimmy has joined the party after going 0 for 6 from the field.
00:54:59Now 1 of 7, a little fake handoff.
00:55:02They need Butler to get going to get back in this game.
00:55:05Here in Houston, we've got a coach's challenge.
00:55:13The call on the floor is the foul on Shangoon to potentially put Jimmy Butler at the free-throw line.
00:55:21Zach Zorba and his mates have been looking at extensive replays here, Candice, for the last couple of minutes.
00:55:26And as a help side defender...
00:55:30After the review, the off-arm of Butler does not prevent Shangoon from playing defense.
00:55:34Therefore, it has been deemed marginal.
00:55:36Therefore, the ruling on the floor stands as a defensive foul.
00:55:38It's an unsuccessful challenge.
00:55:41And the role of a help defender, I could see if he went straight up,
00:55:46but I think his momentum carried him into Butler,
00:55:49and Butler should be going to the free-throw line.
00:55:52What a player Shangoon has become here.
00:55:57Still crazy to think he's only 22 years of age.
00:56:00Doesn't turn 23 until July.
00:56:03One of three players in the league this year, Candice.
00:56:05The average 19-10 and four assists with Yanis Adedokumbo and Nikola Jokic.
00:56:12That's great company to be in.
00:56:14I'll tell you that.
00:56:15Six early assists by Shangoon today, which has sparked the Rockets' offense.
00:56:22If you're a passing big, it unlocks a full new dimension in your game.
00:56:31A little Paul Gasol in here if you watch him play.
00:56:34Death passer.
00:56:36Brooks.
00:56:36And he banks it in.
00:56:38And when it's going, it's going well.
00:56:41Brooks.
00:56:42Hey, listen.
00:56:43The bank is open, especially when the Rockets are playing.
00:56:45The bank is open in Houston.
00:56:47Oh, my goodness.
00:56:48That's been the kind of night that we have seen so far from the Rockets.
00:56:50Peyton, big shot for Golden State.
00:56:53And it just seems like it doesn't matter what series in years past, Peyton, the second,
00:57:00has always played huge minutes and has knocked down that patent three from the corner so many
00:57:06times to end runs.
00:57:09So, Houston, at one point, was up 30.
00:57:11It's cut down to 20.
00:57:14Shot clock down to four.
00:57:15Van Vliet contested three.
00:57:17My goodness.
00:57:20He had Buddy healed on his back.
00:57:24And Van Vliet just knocking it down.
00:57:28Look at Thompson.
00:57:30Suffocating Rockets' defense.
00:57:32Here he comes in the other end, stumbling.
00:57:35And he's going to shoot free throws.
00:57:38That's how quickly this kid can put his imprint on the game.
00:57:42Both ends of the floor for the Rockets.
00:57:44You talk about a struggle in game one, two, and three.
00:57:48No signs of it here in game five.
00:57:50Game four, knock down eight.
00:57:52He's already got three threes.
00:57:54And then Amun Thompson just putting on a clinic on the defensive end.
00:57:59Whether it's help side, whatever it is.
00:58:06Enter for your chance to win NBA prizes at MichelobUltra.com slash courtside.
00:58:11Courtesy of MichelobUltra Zero.
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00:58:15Try it today.
00:58:17Excuse me.
00:58:18Van Vliet's got four of five from downtown.
00:58:24We're just thinking how young this Rockets' nucleus is.
00:58:27No matter what happens in this postseason, this franchise is coming hot and heavy with what they've got
00:58:33and what they are building here in H-Town.
00:58:36Here comes Jimmy Butler all the way through.
00:58:38And a bunny heel fading away.
00:58:41Trying to go glass.
00:58:47Jalen Green had a really good start.
00:58:49And bang knees with Steph Curry.
00:58:52Had to leave the floor for a couple of minutes.
00:58:55But looks like he's okay physically as he draws contact on the perimeter.
00:59:00Golden State in the penalty.
00:59:02And Jalen Green at the free throw line.
00:59:05And that little step-up screen on the side is what Jalen Green loves getting going downhill.
00:59:11Downhill.
00:59:13Looney in the screen.
00:59:14And just struggling to keep Green in front of him.
00:59:19Jalen Green, 23, Candice.
00:59:21Alperin Shen-Goon is still 22.
00:59:24Amen Thompson, 22.
00:59:27Just think of what they're building here.
00:59:29How well that they've drafted over the last four years.
00:59:32And that man has to be awfully pleased.
00:59:36The owner of the Rockets, Tillman Fertitta.
00:59:38In his usual four-side seat.
00:59:40For the future is awfully bright here in Houston.
00:59:44Awfully bright is right.
00:59:45When you talk about having the ability to hire the right person.
00:59:50And as Ahmed Thompson strips Steph.
00:59:53That's again the A-1 finish.
00:59:56And the Sledgehammer.