It’s hard to think of another game like this one. Maybe Game 4 of the 2008 NBA Finals, when the Celtics came from 24 down on the Lakers to win. Maybe.
Thursday night the Clippers were in total control, up 19 and just 14:30 separating them from the franchise’s first-ever conference finals trip. But the Clippers shot 5-of-27 and were outscored 49-18 the rest of the way to lose.
Credit the Rockets for playing with the desperation of a team that did not want to go home. Corey Brewer had 15 points, and Josh Smith 14, plus the Rockets played much better defense as well. The Clippers played not to lose and left the door open, the Rockets stormed through it and took the win.