P.J. Tucker played a vital role in the Houston Rockets’ Game 4 victory over the Warriors, tying the Western Conference Semifinals at 2-2
Backed by James Harden‘s 38 points and 10 rebounds, the Houston Rockets has got themselves right back into this series, tied 2-2, as it shifts back to Oakland for Game 5 on Wednesday. It’s hard to look past Harden’s importance to this Rockets team, but there is one player who has also been very instrumental for Houston in this series and especially in game four; P.J. Tucker.
An NBA journeyman at 34, Tucker has found his home in Houston. In Game 4, Tucker played 42 minutes, dropping 17 points, collecting two steals, and 10 rebounds. The one component that stood out was his strength and willingness to bring down rebounds.
There were numerous times where he got back possession after a missed shot by the Rockets which gave them a brand new shot clock. He was playing very aggressive and gritty defense all game long. It was not hard to see how important Tucker is to this team.
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Although Kevin Durant still had a decent game, Tucker did a nice job of containing him on the offensive end. He picked his pocket a couple of times and made it very hard for Durant to get any open looks. His physicality in the paint made it tough for the Warriors star to convert at the rim consistently. He was forcing him to take tough shots, even though he still did hit some of them because he is just that good.
Tucker was clearly doing it on both ends of the court, whether it was at the rim or from downtown. He went 3 for 6 from long range and 6 for 12 from the field. In particular, he’s been better in the playoffs so far than he was during the regular season. His averages are up in points, rebounds, and field goal percentage. Tucker is averaging 10.8 points per game in the postseason and 7.6 rebounds.
Among his 10 boards on Monday night, five were offensive and five were defensive. Aside from the points, he was a crucial reason they were able to get the ball back and keep certain plays alive which led to more scoring opportunities for the Rockets.
His never give up style of play has rubbed off on the rest of this Houston Rockets team. They all played physical on Monday, as they have for the majority of this playoffs behind his lead. James Harden is definitely the star on this Rockets team, but when it comes to making Houston tick, P.J. Tucker is that guy.
Game 5 will take place on Wednesday night at Oracle Arena as Houston will look to win their third straight and take a stranglehold on this series.