Author: Martin Rogers, USA TODAY

The Rockets want to match what they see as the Warriors’ questionable physical tricks, and to do it with even more assertiveness and venom.

James Harden makes the clutch plays when the Rockets needed them to hold off the Warriors 126-121 in overtime and cut their series deficit to 2-1.

Lou Williams scored 33 points as the Clippers withstood 45 from Kevin Durant to beat the Warriors at Oracle Arena and cut the series deficit to 3-2.

Damian Lillard already had produced a spectacular playoff performance. Then, he hoisted one, final, perfect shot to cap a game for the ages.

The Warriors have looked reinvigorated against the Clippers in the two games since getting a stinging wake-up call in their 31-point collapse.

Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons grew up playing ferocious and physical Australian Rules Football so he’s not going to be fazed by a few boos.

James Harden missed his first 15 shots from the field and finished 3-for-20, but he and the Rockets dug deep for a 104-101 road win over the Jazz.

The Warriors’ Game 3 clash with the Clippers on Thursday nighthas turned into far more than just another first-roundplayoff game.