Sputtering Rockets Outduel Fumbling Dubs

Talk about putting a face on ugly.

It was fitting that Game 5 of the Western Conference finals' waning moments went they way they did, with both the Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors blowing one opportunity after another to seal the deal.

The Dubs just showed they could blow it more.

 

This was a game where Houston's supporting cast saved the day, especially Eric Gordon. Dude popped for 24 points ...

 

... and wound up being the hero on both ends of the court in the closing minutes.

The Rockets needed that, what with James Harden going 0-11 from downtown and refusing to give up his share of the team's shots.

Meanwhile, Chris Paul was a Jekyll-&-Hyde act, but that's better than his Invisible Man portrayal's gonna be in Game 6.

 

And what did Golden State do in the subsequent 5-on-4 situation?

Immediately fed Quinn Cook -- Quinn Cook! -- who missed an uncontested shot from the perimeter with the Dubs down by one.

One. With 42.7 seconds left.

 

Golden State is clearly outta synch.

The Rockets' two stars may have been addicted to hero ball in this one, but the Warriors overdosed on it.

Combined with their 16 turnovers -- none more mindless than their last with 3.4 seconds left and down by two -- it's no wonder this series is headed back to the Bay Area for Game 6:

 

Not even a highlight video could totally hide the sorta dumpster fire this game was.

Still, Houston's 98-94 bumble-beater puts them one win away from dumping the defending NBA champions.

And even without Paul, unless or until Golden State resumes playing like defending champions, this year's NBA Finals will have a new look.