The Houston Rockets haven't been at their best in the first round of the NBA playoffs, but they now look firmly in command in their matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Rockets took a 3-1 lead Monday night.
All signs indicate the Rockets and Utah Jazz, who lead the Oklahoma City Thunder 3-1, will square off in the second round. But Chris Paul hasn't jumped to that conclusion.
The veteran guard, who put up 25 points, six rebounds, and six assists Monday, remembers 2015 all too well. In that year's Western Conference semifinals, Paul's Los Angeles Clippers jumped out to a 3-1 lead over the Houston Rockets.
Houston, however, stormed back to win three straight and advance to the West finals. (The Warriors beat Houston, 4-1, in that series.)
James Harden, the MVP favorite, told reporters on Tuesday that Paul has at least mentioned the 2015 West semifinals series.
James Harden said Chris Paul has brought up the Rockets comeback from down 3-1. "He's mentioned it."
Deserved or not, Paul has a reputation for blowing it in the playoffs. (So does Harden, to some extent.) Paul is seeking his first conference finals appearance; that 2015 series was the closest he has ever come.
The Rockets will have an opportunity to bury Jimmy Butler, Karl-Anthony Towns, and the Timberwolves in Game 5 in Houston. The game will air at 9:30 p.m. EST Wednesday on TNT.
