Facing elimination, the Houston Rockets came prepared as they put up a vigorous first quarter.

The game started with a 12-0 run by Houston as they converted on their first 7 of 10 field goals. Josh Smith hit on his first three shots from downtown as he got the offensive momentum started early. The Rockets made 11 shots in a row as they ended the first frame shooting at 77 percent from the field while nailing 8 of 9 three pointers. All of the five starters for Houston put up at least four points while their bench contributed with eight. Stephen Curry was the only Warriors in double-digit scoring early in the game with 11. The Rockets took a 45-22 lead after the first 12 minutes.

A horrific moment occurred with under six minutes remaining in the second frame as Curry took a hard spill and hit his head on the floor. He remained on the ground for a while but was ultimately able to walk his way into the locker room. 

“I was taking my time. I wanted to make sure I was fine” said Curry during the post-game interview. At the time, the team had deemed him questionable to return as he was diagnosed with a head contusion. Klay Thompson carried the offensive load, as he put up 16 points in the second stanza of the game. By halftime, the Warriors were able to cut the lead to 10. Houston continued to keep the offensive flow, however, as the starters were all in double-digit scoring.

Curry returned to action midway through the third period, but James Harden had an offensive explosion, scoring 16 points in the quarter as he blossomed the Rockets lead to 15. Golden State was able to cut the lead to as little as six with over eight minutes remaining in the game, but Houston quickly countered that attack with a 10-0 run led by none other than Harden. 

Curry finished the game with 23 points and four assists. “I'll be fine. I did all the tests [and] nothing got worse” said Curry. Draymond Green fouled out during the fourth period but had an efficient game with 21 points and 15 boards. Thompson chipped in 24 points. Scoring wasn’t the only impact Harden left on the game as he also recorded nine rebounds, five assists, and two blocks. Smith ended the night with 20 points while going 7 of 8 from the floor. 

Dwight Howard achieved a double-double with 14 points and 12 boards. Terrence Jones sparked the bench with 14 points. Houston concluded the game shooting 57 percent from the floor while being 53 percent from behind the three-point arc. Both teams combined for 37 threes, which would be a new playoff record.

Game 5 will be on Wednesday, May 27th, at 9:00 pm EST as the series shifts back to Oakland. The game will be televised on ESPN.