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How Will the Golden State Warriors Bounce Back in Game 5?

By Andrew Ites

OAKLAND, CA - MAY 22: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors defends James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets during Game Four of the Western Conference Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at ORACLE Arena on May 22, 2018 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - MAY 22: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors defends James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets during Game Four of the Western Conference Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at ORACLE Arena on May 22, 2018 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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After a home loss in Game 4, the Warriors head to Houston for a crucial Game 5 in hopes of taking a 3-2 lead in the Western Conference Finals.

Following another Steph Curry offensive explosion, the Warriors held a 10-point lead after the third quarter and it looked like they were well on their way to taking a commanding 3-1 lead over the Rockets.

However, Golden State only managed to score 12 points in the fourth quarter and lost their first home playoff game since Game 7 of the 2016 Finals.

The Warriors have found themselves in a tough spot in this series as they need to win at least one game in Houston to represent the Western Conference in the NBA Finals.

Golden State also has to deal with a couple of injury issues moving forward.

Andre Iguodala was forced to sit out of Game 4 with a left knee contusion, and his absence was extremely noticeable on Tuesday night.

In addition to Iggy’s injury, Klay Thompson suffered a knee strain in Game 4. While he was able to return to the game, that knee soreness clearly affected him.

The Warriors don’t have much depth on the wing to deal with injuries to Klay and Andre. Thompson and Iguodala will need to be on the floor and perform well for Golden State to steal another game in Houston.

The Warriors aren’t afraid of playing in hostile environments, but the Rockets have proven that they can win on the road as well.

Golden State has played at their best when the pressure is on. In order to take Game 5, they’ll need to get in a much better rhythm offensively and the role players need to step up with injuries affecting two of their starters.

Game 5 is a total toss-up, and I’d expect it to come down to the wire just like it did in Game 4.

Next: Is Houston the Warriors’ Toughest Opponent in the Steve Kerr Era?

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Game Details

Golden State Warriors at Houston Rockets

Tip-Off: Thursday, May 24, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. PST

Location: Toyota Center, Houston, Texas

TV: TNT

Radio: 95.7 The Game, Warriors Radio Network

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