The Golden State Warriors (20) defeated the Houston Rockets (0 - 2), 99 - 98, at the Oracle Arena on Thursday in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals. When Houston's James Harden corralled a defensive rebound with time dwindling in the fourth, trailing by one, it was another opportunity for the MVP runner - up to hit a buzzer - beater. It was n't to be on Thursday, however, as Golden State's Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson clamped down on Harden and did n't allow him to get a shot away as time expired and the Warriors survived another close game. Harden and Curry each turned in Herculean performances once again, as Harden kept Houston in the game with 38 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists while Curry lit up the scoreboard for 33 points. The Warriors now have a two - game advantage in the series, which will transition to Houston for Game 3 on Saturday. Houston looked flat in the early going Thursday, but erased a 17 - point deficit in the second quarter to tie the game going into the half. Dwight Howard, who suffered a sprained knee in the series opener and was listed as a game - time decision, was able to play through the pain to post 19 points and 17 rebounds over 40 minutes. Houston's bench was largely ineffective in Game 2 outside of Terrence Jones, who scored 12 of the bench unit's 15 points. The Rockets will obviously be disappointed being down 20 in the series, but they should be encouraged that the total margin of the first two games is just five points. Houston will look to get its first win of the series at home on Saturday. Golden State not only got a big game from its star, Steph Curry, but also Andrew Bogut. After battling an illness in Game 1 that required an IV, Bogut had 14 points, eight rebounds, and five blocks in 31 minutes. The Warriors were efficient on the offensive end with a 53 field goal percentage and were stout defensively as they held the Rockets to 30% from three point range. Golden State also used excellent ball movement, as shown by 31 assists on 41 made baskets. The Warriors have a chance to take a commanding 30 lead Saturday, but will have to do so on the road.
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 "TeamStat(G,'Rockets') has 20 Number of team assists ,has 30 Percentage of 3 points ,has 2 Losses ,has 98 Total points ,has 20 Points in 3rd quarter ,has 0 Wins ."
 "PlayerStat(G,'Dwight Howard') has 40 Assists ,has 19 Blocks ,has 17 Field goals attempted ."
 "PlayerStat(G,'James Harden') has 9 Assists ,has 1 Blocks ,has 1 Field goals attempted ,has 38 Free throws attempted ,has 10 Minutes played ."
 "PlayerStat(G,'Terrence Jones') has 12 Assists ,has 12 Blocks ,has 2 Field goals attempted ,has 2 Free throws attempted ."
 "PlayerStat(G,'Andrew Bogut') has 5 Assists ,has 1 Blocks ,has 31 Field goals attempted ,has 14 Free throws attempted ,has 8 Minutes played ."
 "PlayerStat(G,'Stephen Curry') has 33 Assists ."]