NBA playoffs 2013: Rockets barely stave off elimination, Nets rout Bulls

One of the keys to the game before the opening tip was the play of Harden, and if one were to figure he’d finish with 15 points on 4-of-12 shooting, then it would seem as though the Rockets were doomed.

“We know we can play with these guys,” Parsons told reporters following the game via NBA.com. “We know we can beat these guys. There was no way we were going to give this thing up.”

Durant dove for a ball near the scorer’s table and landed awkwardly on his wrist, immediately grabbing it while in obvious discomfort. He went to the sidelines during a stoppage of play, but was able to return to the floor after getting some attention from team trainers.

He is in the middle of a strong performance and will be instrumental in any attempt for the Thunder to eliminate the Rockets via a sweep. To this point, he has 26 points on 8-of-11 shooting, adding five rebounds and three assists. His five turnovers have contributed to Houston’s attempt at a comeback.

Hat-tip to Grantland’s Bill Barnwell for pointing this out.

Parsons in particular is on his way to becoming a star in the league, and if he can lead the Rockets past the Thunder in order to survive, especially on a night where Harden clearly isn’t at his best, then it will go a long way toward solidifying his already-growing confidence as a young player with obvious talent.

Now, the burning question is whether or not Houston has enough left in the tank to challenge Oklahoma City for the final two quarters.

Hinrich is in a walking boot and could miss the rest of the series after playing 60 minutes in the Bulls’ 142-134 triple-overtime victory in Game 4. Hinrich scored 18 points and dished 14 assists in the game, but a calf injury was revealed afterward and he can barely walk without the boot.

Here are three things to watch for in Game 5.

• Russell Westbrook’s injury turns playoffs upside down

• Boston’s beaten down and beat up