3 reasons why Rockets win Game 3 vs. Warriors

It goes without saying that Rockets fans are not happy about the 0-2 start against the Golden State Warriors. Here’s why they’ll win Game 3.

With little to no room for error, it is desperation time for the Rockets, and that could be a good thing. I am going to outline the three main reasons that Houston wins Game 3, and turns this series into a dog fight the Warriors want no part of.

1. James Harden’s eye injury will be behind him and he is out for retribution.

It is no secret that the majority of the national media cannot stand James Harden (for what reason is beyond me). This Rockets team goes as Harden goes, and with the team down 2-0, this Game 3 needs to be the James Harden show. Thus far this postseason, he is averaging 29.0 points per game, 2.1 steals per game, 7.1 assists per game, and 6.3 rebounds per game. His turnover average is up to 5.4 per game, and that has really hurt his overall performance through the first two games of this series. If he can limit those, expect a monster game from the Beard.

2. For the first time in the series, the Houston Rockets will win the rebounding battle.

The Warriors have not been known to be one of the best rebounding teams in the league, but they have destroyed the Rockets on the glass through the first two games of this series. In Game 1, they out rebounded the Rockets 38-26. This included 8 offensive rebounds, to Houston’s 3. The Warriors are way too good of a team to give up that many second chances too. In Game 2, the overall rebounding numbers were closer (45-41 Warriors), but the Warriors grabbed a staggering 18 offensive rebounds.

3. Clint Capela will thoroughly dominate this game, on both ends of the court.

The Rockets rely on center Clint Capela for a multitude of things, from the lob game to blocking shots to the pick and roll. If Clint struggles on the offensive end, this roster is not built to do much beyond hitting the majority of their 3-point attempts or getting to the rim through ISO-ball. Through the first two games of the series, Capela is averaging 9 points, 8 rebounds, and 1 block per game. That just won’t cut it. Capela knows that he needs to be better, and I believe that he will be.

This perception of the Golden State Warriors being one of the greatest teams ever assembled is 100 percent accurate. They are one heck of a team with an arsenal of weapons that few teams, if any, have ever had.

However, this Rockets roster has what it takes to stay with them, and they have shown that through this series. If they can control the glass and the turnovers, this series is far from over.

Prediction for Game 3: Rockets 109, Warriors 101. Run As One and GO ROCKETS.

Statistics referenced in article ( http://www.espn.com/nba/team/stats/_/name/hou ).