It took all 82 games for the No. 8 seed Houston Rockets to clinch a playoff spot, but that doesn’t mean their No. 1 vs. No. 8 playoff matchup with the Golden State Warriors is any less interesting.
The Rockets have a bit of recent history with the Warriors, as Golden State defeated the Rockets in last season’s Western Conference Finals 4-1, and then swept the season series in 2015-16 while never winning by less than 13 points.
In other words, it’s fair to say Golden State has the Rockets’ number. Their only hope of victory? Mess with Warriors star Steph Curry, throw him off his rhythm, play him rougher than normal, etc.
So that’s exactly what they did, and it ended with Curry and Rockets point guard Patrick Beverly getting double technical fouls.
But the Warriors, like any NBA team, didn’t let the altercation go without some retribution. Forward Draymond Green stepped into a late pick against Beverly, who immediately went flying upon contact.
While we’re sure running full steam into Green doesn’t tickle, flopping like you’ve just been shot is just a tiny bit excessive. Beverly got the call, though Green and the Warriors happily will live with that.
Besides, they got the last laugh in a 104-78 victory.
Thumbnail photo via Kyle Terada/USA TODAY Sports Images
