After the Houston Rockets took a 2-0 lead, the outcome of the series looked almost certain. But to everyone’s surprise, Thunder tied the series at two games apiece in the next two games. However, Houston regained momentum in a blow victory in Game 5, pushing OKC to the brink of elimination.
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Harden was phenomenal as always, but it was P. J. Tucker and Dennis Schroder who stole the highlight from the Beard for all the bad reasons. Tucker and Schroder got into a heated scuffle down the stretch, which led to a double ejection.
After the game, the Rockets urged the NBA to further investigate this matter. This is not the first time the Rockets have been on the receiving end of low blows in this series.
In Game 3, Chris Paul pulled a similar stunt on Ben McLemore, but it went unnoticed by the officials. It raised many questions about whether Chris Paul was being favored, as he is the president of NBPA (National Basketball Players Association).
But this time around the situation is different, as both Tucker and Schroder face disciplinary action. Schroder was also involved in a similar incident back in 2013. When he landed a low blow on then Sacramento Kings’ center, DeMarcus Cousins.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, both the players have been fined $25,000 each for the fight.
NBA has fined PJ Tucker $25K too, league says. https://t.co/pCUYtQ0TfP
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 30, 2020
What’s next for the Houston Rockets?
Game 6 of this first-round series is by far the most important game for both the sides. Rockets want to win the series, while OKC wants to push the series to seven games. However, OKC has already proved that they have the confidence to make a comeback in the series.
If the Rockets, below the lead once again, it will be demoralizing for Mike D’Antoni’s side. With Russell Westbrook also back in the starting lineup, the stars are lined perfectly for the Rockets to eliminate OKC.
Harden and Westbrook can destroy any defense in the league. Moreover, in game 5, Luguentz Dert had one of the worst games in playoff history. He was the only one who could somewhat stop Harden. But after his terrible Game 5 performance, Billy Donovan might to take other options into consideration.
Will the Rockets close out the series? Or will OKC make it to game 7? We’ll find out in Game 6 on Monday.
