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Bob Fitzgerald: If there is one team that can win both Game 6 and 7, it’s the Warriors

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© Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports


If you ever wondered why Andre Iguodala was the 2015 NBA Finals MVP, you have gotten two straight critical games where his absence was basically the difference. And if you doubt this, I would encourage you to watch Game 1 and 3.

Poor decisions, missed rebounds, tremendous defense, and another ball-handler (with one of the best assist-to-turnover ratios in the NBA) so badly missing in Game 4 and 5 have potentially cost the Warriors a title.

There will be much discussion of so many different plays in Thursday’s four-point loss, but it can really be crystalized by two amazing Chris Paul made 3 pointers and three wide-open three-point misses by Quinn Cook (still credit him for the guts to take them). The percentages in these five shots should never end up 6-0, Rockets but that was the result and ultimately decided the game.

The Warriors have now held the Rockets to 85, 95, and 98 points in the past three games. Goldon State held Houston to 39% shooting in Game 4 and 37% shooting in Game 5 and still lost. That is beyond demoralizing.

The last two losses will fall completely on the Warriors offense and some really poor decisions when it mattered most. A possession with two minutes left and a shot clock violation. A rebound with 10 seconds left and, instead of a timeout and advancing to the front court a curious pass in the backcourt, a final play with 6.7 seconds where the Warriors don’t even get a shot attempt. You can’t win a playoff game with those type of mistakes.

With Houston, it always comes back to free throws and a 32-23 advantage in Game 5 following a 27-14 free throw advantage in Game 4 once again told the tale. The biggest impact on Game 6 and potentially Game 7 will be whether Iguodala returns and giveaway fouls can be eliminated. The health of Paul will also be critical. (He has reportedly been ruled out for Game 6.)

Credit Houston with energetic defensive efforts in Game 4 and Game 5 — much better than the first three games of the series. The Rockets have played with relentlessly energy that has to be admired and commended.

The Rockets have to be completely ecstatic that they won a game where James Harden and Paul shot 11-40 from the field.  Just terrific performances from Eric Gordon, Clint Capela, Trevor Ariza and PJ Tucker.  And the 9 points on three made threes from Gerald Green was absolutely found money.

There is only one way for the Warriors to make up for the gift of Game 4: the miracle finish of winning Game 6 and then Game 7 on the road. If there is an NBA team capable of pulling off that double, it is the Warriors. It should be 3-2 Warriors coming back to Oakland. It is not. And the Warriors missed opportunity in Game 4 will haunt this series. The Rockets won Game 5. They deserved it. They were better when it mattered.

But the Warriors will win Game 6 at Oracle. Make your holiday plans around Game 7, because it is coming.