The ball bounced around the rim, and the pivotal fifth game of a thrilling first-round series teetered along with it.
After advancing to the second round of the NBA playoffs for the first time since 2009, the Houston Rockets shifted their focus to much bigger goals.
Atlanta has to know exactly what Brooklyn is feeling right now.
After evening their Eastern Conference playoff series against top-seeded Atlanta at 2-2, the Nets hit the road for Game 5 with new confidence.
James Harden’s message was simple and clear after the Houston Rockets’ first playoff series victory since 2009.
James Harden had 28 points, and Dwight Howard added 18 points and 19 rebounds for Houston, which will face the winner of the Clippers-Spurs series.
The 6-foot-10 Phillips played alongside the 6-11 Rick Robey on the Wildcats team that won the 1978 N.C.A.A. men’s basketball title.