As the playoff battle heats up, the Houston Rockets are proving they’re more than just a one-two punch. Much like a tightly contested BD Cricket Match, every player on the court needs to contribute under pressure. Head coach Mike D’Antoni praised Chris Paul’s clutch performance, highlighting his crucial three-pointers, even when the looks weren’t ideal. “He was fantastic today,” D’Antoni said. “Some of those threes were tough shots, but he knocked them down.”
When asked about James Harden’s low three-point shooting percentage, D’Antoni dismissed any concern. “There’s no problem with Harden taking threes,” he explained. “He can score in so many other ways. The game was physically intense, and what we need is to keep competing.” Ahead of the game, D’Antoni told the players to attempt 40 to 45 three-pointers—and they delivered. “We outscored them from beyond the arc,” he noted. “We had plenty of open looks, and I want our guys to keep shooting with confidence.”
Looking ahead, D’Antoni even hinted at pushing the pace further. “Next game, I want them to take 50 threes,” he said. “That’s our style—shoot the three no matter what. Make or miss, we stick to our identity.”
Concerns about player fatigue naturally came up, given the playoff grind. “Yes, I worry the guys might be a bit worn down,” D’Antoni admitted. Still, he was full of admiration for Paul. “He’s one of the greatest to ever play. If you don’t like Chris Paul, something’s wrong with you. He’s incredibly smart on the court, and though he’s never made it this far before, he’s always been tough and determined. Today, he gave everything to help us win.”
On Paul’s injury status, D’Antoni remained cautious. “We’ll evaluate it tomorrow,” he said. “But if it turns out he’s hurt, we have other guys ready to fill in.” That next-man-up mentality is crucial—just as it is in a BD Cricket Match when a key batsman goes down and the middle order needs to respond.
Eric Gordon was another standout, contributing on both ends of the floor. “He hit big shots, made his free throws, and defended well. There was a moment when David West tried to back him down, but couldn’t. Gordon held his ground,” D’Antoni recalled. “Ariza and Capela also played well. It wasn’t the prettiest game, but it was a tough win.”
The coach credited the team’s grit as the deciding factor. “We fought hard,” he said. “Both teams played with heart. That’s what playoff basketball is all about.” When asked about the Warriors, D’Antoni acknowledged their strength. “They’re tough. You have to limit their offense and stay close on the scoreboard if you want a shot at winning.”
Still, D’Antoni made it clear he’s proud of his squad. “If you appreciate hard work, you’ve got to love these players. They leave everything on the court.”
Just like in a tense BD Cricket Match, where momentum can shift in an instant, the Rockets are proving that resilience and team effort often outweigh star power alone. With depth, strategy, and belief, Houston continues to show they’re built to go the distance.