NBA

Warriors force Game 7 in Western Conference Finals

Klay Thompson scored 35 points and Golden State rallied from a 17-point deficit.

Kevin Durant, left, reaches for the ball in front of Rockets guard James Harden during the second half of Game 6 on Saturday. Ben Margot / AP Photo

By JANIE McCAULEY, Associated Press

1 minute to read

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Klay Thompson hit nine 3-pointers and scored 35 points, the Warriors held James Harden down in the second half, and Golden State rallied from an early 17-point deficit to stave off elimination with a 115-86 victory over the Houston Rockets on Saturday night to force a deciding Game 7 in the Western Conference finals.

Stephen Curry added 29 points and five 3s on a night Harden dazzled for long stretches with 32 points, nine assists and seven rebounds while backcourt mate Chris Paul sat out sidelined by a strained right hamstring.

A dynamic, star-studded series projected to be as captivating and compelling as the actual NBA Finals is going the distance. Game 7 is Monday night back in Houston.