NBA Playoffs: Another 5 Things The Houston Rockets Need To Survive The 2013 Oklahoma City Thunder Series

Apr 29, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets small forward Chandler Parsons (25) reacts during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the third quarter in game four of the first round of the 2013 NBA playoffs at the Toyota Center. The Rockets defeated the Thunder 105-103. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Chandler Parsons

If he can have a 30 point game the same time James Harden can have a 30 point game, we could have the replacement for the Oklahoma City Thunder in the West, a dynamic duo that can defeat the villains to the Houston Rockets. Hopefully the Oklahoma City biased calls will stop bothering him and he will play.

May 1, 2013; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Houston Rockets forward Francisco Garcia (32) reacts to a call in action against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half in game five of the first round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. The Rockets defeated the Thunder 107-100. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Francisco Garcia

Not only has he been a great defensive option against Kevin Durant, he has also scored 18 points each in Game 3 and Game 5.

The rest of the Houston Rockets

Sure, we have to thank Francisco Garcia, but we have to thank the Rockets for double teaming when need be.

The Oklahoma City Thunder for missing 3s

What the Rockets need to continue to do is to keep the Oklahoma City backcourt from making 3s. Seriously, they’re doing terrible.  In game 1, it felt like every 3-pointer they shot went in and Houston’s missed. Since Game 5, it’s been the opposite. Maybe it just feels that way since Houston was one of the top 3 point shooting teams in the regular season.

In Game 3, Oklahoma City was 10-26 (38.46%) vs Houston’s 12-37 (32.43%) In Game 5, Oklahoma City was 8 of 33 (24.24%) against Houston’s 14 of 35 (40%). If OKC made a few more 3s, they would have won the game.

Illnesses

Seriously, the Rockets play better the more sick or injured they are.

Game 1: everybody is healthy with half a week of rest. Blow out:

Houston Rockets: 91, Oklahoma City Thunder: 120

Game 2: Jeremy Lin is hurt in the middle of the game

Houston Rockets: 102, Oklahoma City Thunder:  105

Game 3: Lin plays hurt and was not effective

Houston Rockets: 101, Oklahoma City Thunder: 104

Game 4: Lin is out

Oklahoma City Thunder: 103, Houston Rockets: 105

Game 5: Lin is out, Harden possibly has a strep throat, and Carlos Delfino left the game in the second half, yet the Rockets still beat Oklahoma City by a considerable amount.

Oklahoma City Thunder: 100, Houston Rockets: 107

The math don’t lie!

Delfino has an injured foot now. The Rockets have this in the bag!