The Houston Rockets cruised to a 124-103 win over the Los Angeles Clippers to keep their hopes alive in their Western Conference semi-final against the Pacific Division side.
The Rockets came into game five following back-to-back losses against Doc Rivers's side, leaving them facing elimination if they slipped to a third straight loss, but Dwight Howard and Trevor Ariza made sure that Houston made a strong start.
Blake Griffin and Spencer Hawes tried to keep the visitors in contention before the break, but James Harden kept finding the basket before the end of the second quarter to leave the Rockets 15 points ahead at half time.
Still facing a big deficit heading into the final period, the Clippers were on the offensive early on in the fourth, but JJ Redick, Chris Paul and Jamal Crawford all missed three-pointer attempts in the first minute.
Harden put the Rockets 20 points up with just over eight minutes remaining, all but ending Los Angeles's chances of a comeback, while Corey Brewer finished with a flourish to seal the victory.
Houston face another must-win meeting with the Clippers when the sides play again at the Staples Center on Thursday.
Sian Cowper
