Three takeaways from the Rockets' bounce back win over the Warriors in Game 2

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#James Harden

The Houston Rockets looked a lot more like themselves as they cruised to a 127-105 win over the Golden State Warriors in Game 2.

James Harden and Eric Gordon poured in 27 points each, while P.J. Tucker recorded a playoff career-high 22 points, including shooting 5-of-6 from the three-point line.

With the series now tied at 1-1, here are three takeaways from tonight's action.

Sloppy start derails Warriors

The Golden State Warriors were all over the place to start this game, turning the ball over five times in the first six minutes, finishing the quarter with seven turnovers and no three-pointers (0-for-7).

The first quarter set the tempo for the game, with Houston taking advantage of every sloppy possession, getting out in transition and making the Warriors pay. 

Things only got worse in the second quarter, with the Rockets piling on 38 points to take a 64-50 lead into the main break.


Supporting casts

In Game 1, the Rockets relied too heavily on Harden and Chris Paul, but today was the exact opposite.

Five players scored in double figures, with Eric Gordon and Harden leading the way with 27 points each and when the Rockets' role players get going, it means one thing: tons of threes! They connected on 16-of-42 from downtown, with Tucker and Gordon combining for 11 triples.

For the Warriors, Kevin Durant was his usual self, but the Rockets zoned in on Steph Curry and Klay Thompson, refusing to let the backcourt duo get open looks. Klay and Steph combined to go 3-of-12 from the three-point line.


Run run run: The Rockets find their rhythm

After relying on isolation plays in Game 1, the Rockets lifted the tempo from the opening tip. They finished with 12 fast-break points in Game 2 after only scoring three in Game 1.

The Rockets' transition offence put early shot clock pressure on the Warriors, who struggled to get organized on the defensive end and with Trevor Ariza and P.J. Tucker making aggressive cuts to the basket, it opened plenty of space for the Rockets to get good looks at the rim and from deep. 

They need that level of activity to make the Warriors work on the defensive end.

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Benyam Kidane Photo

Benyam Kidane is a senior NBA editor for The Sporting News.