NBA Playoffs 2018-19: 3 Talking Points from Golden State Warriors vs Houston Rockets - Game 4

The Golden State Warriors and the Houston Rockets again played out a thrilling encounter in the fourth game of their Western Conference Semifinals playoff series. The Rockets played great right from the start and managed to tie the series at 2 games apiece.

The Rockets won by a scoreline of 112-108 after having an overtime victory in the third game. James Harden was absolutely brilliant in this match. Chris Paul, Eric Gordon and P.J. Tucker all provided great support in this match.

The Warriors defeated the Rockets in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals last year. After the first two games in this year's playoffs, it looked like the Warriors will easily win this series. But the Rockets have shown serious focus and effort and have made this a very tight series.

Let's have a look at the three talking points from this match:

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#3 Difference in three point shooting and rebounding between the two teams

Steph hasn't looked his usual self in this series

The Rockets are not known for their rebounding totals and they also prefer playing a shorter lineup. But it was very evident before the start of this series that they have to out rebound the Warriors in order to have a chance of beating them.

The Rockets had a huge advantage on the boards in the last game. They again out hustled the Warriors and had 13-8 advantage on the offensive glass.

When it comes to three point shooting, the Warriors have the best shooter in the NBA history, Steph Curry, playing for them. They also have one of the best shooters in NBA history in Klay Thompson. But both Steph and Klay have struggled from deep in this series.

The Rockets rely a lot on three point shooting and they have hugely outscored the Warriors in this department.

#2 Great games from Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry

Kevin Durant has been historically great in this series

Kevin Durant has been brilliant in the series so far. He was again great in this match. He has been the only consistent player for the Warriors in recent games. Durant finished this match with 34 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists on 12-22 shooting from the field.

Steph Curry had a decent outing after a horrid one in the previous match. He finished this match with 30 points and 8 assists. This is Curry's first 30 point game of the series. But his struggle continued from the deep as he managed to shoot only 4-14 from the 3PT line.

Klay Thompson only tallied 11 points. Draymond Green provided a bit of everything finishing with 15 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists.

The Warriors will return to the Oracle Arena for the next match and the Splash Brothers need to step up for the defending champions.

#1 Another dominant display from James Harden

James Harden is simply unguardable on the offensive end

James Harden was on an absolute scoring tear in the regular season averaging more than 36 PPG. He hasn't yet shown that form in the playoffs but he is starting to heat up. After scoring 41 points in the overtime victory in game 3 of the series, Harden was again sensational for the Rockets finishing with 38 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists.

Harden has also been superb at crunch moments in the past two games. Eric Gordon has also been providing great support. He finished with 20 points. Tucker addded 17 points on 3-6 shooting from the 3PT line.

Chris Paul is an all-time great point guard but he has been consistently denied great success in the playoffs. He will be looking to pounce upon the vulnerability of this Warriors team and take his team deeper in the playoffs.