Harden's triple-double lifts Rockets over Clippers in Game 5

Feeding off their home crowd's energy, the Houston Rockets displayed their regular-season dominance in Game 5 to keep the Los Angeles Clippers at bay for a 124-103 win.

The Western Conference semifinals have seen the Rockets limping through each game with an air of desperation, with many assuming Tuesday night's game would be the end of the series.

But the Rockets would not go quietly into postseason oblivion, setting an aggressive tone from tipoff. They drew first blood with a dunk by Trevor Ariza, with Josh Smith following suit with a jumper.

The Clippers gave chase to the Rockets for the entire game, with Blake Griffin leading all scorers with 30 points, and rounding out his stat line with 16 rebounds and two assists.

But Griffin's efforts, combined with point guard Chris Paul's 22 points and 10 assists, could not take down the Rockets, who reached their peak lead at 22 points with a little more than seven minutes left in the third, thanks to two quick shots by Dwight Howard.

Game 6 takes the teams to Los Angeles, with the Clippers leading the series 3-2.

Turning Point

With Houston leading by a relatively large margin from the tip, it could be argued that the turning point in Game 5 happened before the players even hit the hardwood, with the Rockets determined to force another contest.

However, the fourth quarter gave spectators a bit of a jolt. The Rockets miss key shots early on that put them in jeopardy of having the Clippers close the gap, as L.A. is perfectly capable of doing. But Ariza broke the seal by drawing a foul on Jamal Crawford and sinking a pair of clutch free throws to get his team going.

Star Performer

Rockets shooting guard James Harden recorded a triple-double in the victory, posting 26 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists before exiting late in the fourth quarter.

Despite leaving the game visibly-struggling with an illness, Harden has added his name to Houston's record books with his Game 5 performance. Harden has scored more than 20 points in 10 straight playoff games, which is the longest streak for a Rockets player since veteran Hakeem Olajuwon in the 1994-95 season.

Honorable mentions goes to Howard, who became the first player since 1997's Charles Barkley to earn multiple 20-point, 15-rebound games in a single postseason.

Highlight Reel

CP3 to Griffin like clockwork.

Feed Josh Smith.

• Chris Paul's bank pass could make a grown man cry
• Clint Capela has no concern for Spencer Hawes's life

Series at a Glance

Game 1: Clippers 117, Rockets 101 (Clippers lead 1-0)
Game 2: Rockets 115, Clippers 109 (Series tied 1-1)
Game 3: Clippers 124, Rockets 99 (Clippers lead 2-1)
Game 4: Clippers 128, Rockets 95 (Clippers lead 3-1)
Game 5: Rockets 124, Clippers 103 (Clippers lead 3-2)
Game 6*: Thursday, May 14, 10:30 p.m. ET
Game 7*: Sunday, May 17, TBD
*if necessary