https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FelnHZxaqLY
The Houston Rockets overcame a super human effort from Russell Westbrook to win Game 5 at home, clinching a spot in the next round of the playoffs against either the Spurs or Grizzlies. Westbrook, who averaged a triple double in the regular season, also averaged a triple double in the series against the Rockets, finishing with averages of 37 points per game, 12 rebounds per game, and 11 assists per game. These are seemingly amazing stats, but that stat line is a bit deceptive. Russ was highly inefficient, shooting 39% in the series overall, including 27% from the three point line, which wouldn’t be a big deal if he only took a few a game, but Westbrook took nearly 10 threes a game. In addition to this, he took 30 shots per game, far and away the most on the Thunder. Despite this inefficiency, Russell was the most valuable player in this series by far. The Rockets in Game 5 followed a similar pattern to their previous three wins in the series. The Thunder would get a lead, and would seem to be unstoppable at times, but then as soon as Westbrook would get a rest at the beginning of the second and fourth quarters, the Rockets would go on a run that would net them a lead. In the fourth quarter in the series overall, Houston outscored the Thunder by 50 points, which is the most in any playoff series in the past 20 years. James Harden did not play as good as he could have in the five games, but he did average 33 points per game, 7 assists per game(down from 11 apg in the regular season) but only shot 41% overall, including 24% from the three point line. The real story of the series was the improvement of the Rockets bench. Nene averaged 14 points per game on 85% shooting in the series, and only played 22 minutes per game. Hilario also had a game for the ages when he finished 12-12 from the field in a Game 4 win in OKC. Lou Williams also played great in the 5 games, averaging 18 points on 48% shooting including 41% from three. When Harden was off, which was quite often, Williams seemed to always catch fire and keep the Rockets in the game.
A big story in the series was the free throw shooting of Andre Roberson. Roberson is well known for his defensive prowess, but he is largely inept on the offensive end of the court, especially from the free throw line where he finished 3-21 overall in the series. The Rockets turned to hack a Roberson in moments when they wanted to stall offensive flow for the Thunder, which largely proved successful.
After the win, the Rockets can now lick their wounds and get healthy before they play in the second round against either the Spurs or the Grizzlies, two teams Houston is all too familiar with. For now, they will enjoy the series win and will get ready for whoever they play next.