Clippers vs. Rockets: Game 5 Score and Twitter Reaction from 2015 NBA Playoffs

The Houston Rockets controlled the paint to stave off elimination against the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday.

All-Star center Dwight Howard asserted his will with 20 points and 15 rebounds, while James Harden posted a triple-double as Houston won Game 5 at the Toyota Center 124-103.

ESPN Stats & Info noted that it was Harden's first time achieving the elusive trifecta in the playoffs. The account also highlighted how the Rockets made a point to dominate from the inside out in a must-win contest that extended their conference semifinal series:

The points in the paint battle went 64-46 in the Rockets' favor, despite a monster outing from Clippers star forward Blake Griffin, who wound up with 30 points and 16 rebounds.

Harden did his usual great job of penetrating and creating opportunities for teammates and himself even though he was under the weather. Coach Kevin McHale explained what Harden was dealing with afterward, per Adam Wexler of KPRC-TV:

The MVP runner-up scored 17 of his team-high 26 points in the opening half, and Trevor Ariza added 22 points and eight boards of his own.

Robert Flores of ESPN and Hoops Habit's Josh Eberley had similar thoughts on Houston lacking a sense of urgency prior to Game 5:

Though the Rockets often rely on three-pointers in head coach Kevin McHale's fast-paced offensive system, they showed how dangerous they can be when establishing more of a presence at the rim.

Many of Houston's marquee players chipped in to crash the glass and the lane, which contributed to an explosion of 36 points in the second quarter to build a 63-48 halftime lead.

The tone-setting play for the Rockets' surge came from rookie big man Clint Capela. Toward the beginning of the quarter, he threw down a vicious slam dunk on Spencer Hawes, courtesy of Team Stream Now:

Capela saw just 11 minutes of action, yet he had eight points, and his biggest play marked a critical turning point. It epitomized the superior effort Houston put forth on the precipice of seeing its postseason run come to an abrupt end in front of its home crowd.

Home cooking appeared to be just what the Rockets needed to extend their playoff lives. Coming off a demoralizing 128-95 loss in Los Angeles, the Rockets could have easily packed it in and conceded defeat, considering the sizable deficit they had dug themselves into.

McHale hinted after Game 5 how the Rockets have a chance to erase all of that disappointment, per ESPN's Arash Markazi:

Was this Houston's best shot, though? Is this all the Rockets can muster? Matt Barnes left the game in pain for a stretch and only played 23 minutes, which hindered the Clippers' defensive efforts on the perimeter. Austin Rivers struggled and hurt his hip at the end of the third quarter as well.

Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle observed how multiple Clippers were banged up, while InsideHoops.com alluded to the cold streak Barnes and other key contributors were on:

After defeating the reigning NBA champion San Antonio Spurs in the opening round, L.A. will look to close out another team at the Staples Center in Game 6. The quick turnaround and pressure on the Clippers to keep moving through will be big factors, not to mention their collective health.

The good news is that both Griffin and Chris Paul—with 22 points and 10 assists—came to play in Game 5.

Paul is still banged up, though, and the team's dynamic duo needs others to play better. Lack of depth hasn't cost Los Angeles dearly just yet, but losing Game 6 on its own court would be a crushing blow.

In a loaded Western Conference, Houston emerged as the No. 2 seed and can't be counted out. What's concerning is the Rockets hadn't played much like an elite team since the series started with a loss to the Clippers sans Paul until Tuesday.

Which Rockets squad shows up for Thursday's showdown in L.A. will determine whether this series goes the distance or if the Clippers' inspiring, gutsy roll through the playoffs continues.