Western Conference Semi Finals: Spurs handle Rockets, 115-129 (2-0).

James Harden struggled his way to 27 points.

James Harden air-balled his first three-point shot attempt in Game 2, giving Chris Paul the chance to take charge with 20 points in the first quarter. Dejounte Murray met him in turn, notching 18 points and hitting from deep. Joakim Noah was given the starting role, capitalizing on a cross-court pass by Murray for the fierce dunk down low, as the Spurs led 33-30 after one.

The 14-2 run that followed put the champs up 34-47 at home, as Dragan Bender swatted James Harden to the hardwood and then nailed a 3-PTer on the fast break. The Spurs led 48-63 at halftime.

The Beard continued to struggle, missing a wide open pull-up three to start the third quarter. Patty Mills came in firing, splashing 13 points. The Spurs would hold a ten point advantage throughout, fending off mini-runs by Houston, 88-97 the score going into the fourth quarter. The Spurs erupted in the final period, despite Harden finally heating up. Avery Bradley hit a three, then Ingram got hot and Dejounte Murray capped it off with the and-1 layup past Harden, dishing it to Skal Labissiere for three more.

Joakim Noah finished with 14 points, 6 rebounds and 5 blocks. It was Dejounte Murray's night, topping out at 27 points with 8 assists. The Spurs hit thirteen perimeter shots, narrowly losing the boards 31-29, but 33-27 on assists. Both teams still shot above 50% overall. Chris Paul finished with 36 points and 9 assists, going 19/31. Harden came alive by the end for 27 points, 11/21 overall. Clint Capela banged in 12 points with 16 rebounds and 2 blocks. Eric Gordon dropped twelve.

Brandon Ingram had a quiet 17 points, Mills with 15. Bradley had 12, Bender had 11 & Shumpert scored 8 points with 7 assists. JR Smith showed flashes of worth with 8 points off the bench, as T.J. Warren contributed 7 points and 7 rebounds.