The Rockets were trying to force a game seven in game six against the Spurs. They needed James Harden to play big, and he had the right situation, as the Spurs were down one man this game. Kawhi Leonard was held out of this game as he hurt his ankle and knee in the fourth quarter of game five. Leonard was the one player who could stop Harden as he has held him in check defensively the entire series. With him out, Harden had a chance to carry his team to a game six win. Unfortunately, it didn't work out for the Rockets, as the Spurs dominated them early and pulled away, winning the game 114-75.
They now move on to the Western Conference Finals against the Golden State Warriors.
Falling Harden
James Harden needed to make up for his performance in game five, where he fell short in the final moments of the game with miscues. It looked like that still might've been on his mind tonight, as he struggled from the field. He only made two shots, both were three-pointers and finished with 10 points. He also committed six turnovers and had six fouls which disqualified him from the game. This team goes how Harden goes, and he did not have the game many were expecting him to have. Harden took responsibility for the loss post game, as he should have. Being the team's best player and to put forth an effort like that disappointed many fans.
Maybe it was an off night as many players have in their career, but tonight was the wrong night to have one of those games.
The Rockets as a team had a terrible night. The shot under 25 percent from the field and committed 13 turnovers. They were awful from three this game, shooting 32 percent from deep. The were dominated on the boards as well, getting out rebounded by 27.
Many will place the blame on Mike D'Antoni, but the players get paid to execute and they failed to do so in a do or die game tonight.
LaMarcus' Big Night
LaMarcus Aldridge had a terrible game one performance and many called him out to step up in this series. In a game where a trip to the Western Conference Finals was on the line, he stepped up big time.
Aldridge had a game-high 34 points and 12 rebounds. He shot an efficient 62 percent from the field and dominated the low post. His scoring was needed because of Kawhi Leonard's absence this game. Aldridge has the ability to have an explosion game like this every night, but Kawhi Leonard is the primary scoring option. Aldridge's big night not only helped the Spurs end this series, it helped Kawhi Leonard get a couple extra days to heal his ankle.
The Rockets failed to come up in the big game and now their season is over. The Spurs consistency pays off once again, as they make another trip to the conference finals. It won't be easy facing the four-headed monster in the Warriors, but if the Spurs get a healthy Kawhi Leonard and stick to their game plan, they can be the one team that can put a blemish on the Warriors' season.
