Rockets: 3 positive takeaways from blowout loss in Game 6

By Michael Knight

May 27, 2018

OAKLAND, CA - MAY 26: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets controls the ball against Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors during Game Six of the Western Conference Finals in the 2018 NBA Playoffs at ORACLE Arena on May 26, 2018 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

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OAKLAND, CA – MAY 26: Eric Gordon #10 of the Houston Rockets goes up for a shot against Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors during Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals at ORACLE Arena on May 26, 2018 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by John G. Mabanglo-Pool/Getty Images) /

The first half

The Houston Rockets came out firing on all cylinders in the first half. They were dominant, especially in the first quarter. At the end of the first, they led the defending champs 39-22.

James Harden started off slowly but came on strong to have a fantastic first half. He had 22 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists along with 2 steals in the first two quarters.

Eric Gordon and Trevor Ariza were also strong in the half, hitting their 3s and playing well on the other end of the court, as well. Those two really propelled the Rockets to their early lead in the game, but their production just was unsustainable.

Gordon, in particular, looked like the best version of himself. He was knocking down 3s with a massive amount of confidence and driving to the paint with ease. EG was 4/4 from downtown in the first half and had 16 points total. He finished with just 19 for the game, though. The Rockets will need how he played in the first half for Game 7 if they want to upset the reigning champs.

If the Rockets can replicate some of the success they had, it will go a long way in trying to pull this thing off. And they did all that without Chris Paul. Imagine how good they can be if they’re hitting their shots and CP3 is in the lineup.

Next: Takeaway No. 2