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Indiana Basketball: Eric Gordon coming alive for Rockets in NBA Playoffs

By Zacarias Olvera

HOUSTON, TX - MAY 04: Eric Gordon #10 of the Houston Rockets drives to the basket defended by Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors in the first half during Game Three of the Second Round of the 2019 NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Toyota Center on May 4, 2019 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - MAY 04: Eric Gordon #10 of the Houston Rockets drives to the basket defended by Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors in the first half during Game Three of the Second Round of the 2019 NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Toyota Center on May 4, 2019 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /
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As the NBA playoffs are intensifying, we take a look at the lone former Indiana basketball player taking part in the playoffs.

Eric Gordon is the lone former Indiana basketball player providing significant minutes for his respective NBA team in the NBA Playoffs, as fellow former IU player and Toronto Raptors’ OG Anunoby recovers from an injury that ended his year at the end of the regular season.

On fire ever since their playoff opener in their first round series against the Utah Jazz, Gordon has stepped up his play from the regular season.

Shooting just 36 percent from three in their regular season, Gordon has raised that average to 45.1 percent in his eight postseason games thus far.

The Rockets, who have struggled to get consistent play from others not named James Harden, Gordon’s play has been exactly what the Rockets need, averaging 18.5 points per game in the playoffs.

Since the start of their second round series against the Warriors though, Gordon’s play has been on another level, averaging 24 points per game on 51.3 percent shooting from he field and 41 percent from three.

In his first outing against the reigning champions at Oracle Arena, he exploded for 27 points on 10-of-19 shooting, numbers good for second best on the team after James Harden. Despite his efforts, the Warriors would prove to be too powerful as they handed the Rockets a close loss.

During the second game, Gordon cooled off a bit but still managed to hit three crucial three pointers to keep the game within reach, but they would end up losing 115-109.

Down 2-0 in the series, the Rockets were in desperate need of a win if they wished to have any chance of mounting a comeback against the dominant Warriors.

Luckily, Eric Gordon regained his hot touch and dropped 30 points, with 20 coming in the first half, and seven three pointers during the Rockets overtime win to bring the series to a 2-1 Warriors lead.

Next. Breakout Candidate For Indiana Next Season. dark

It will take a couple more stellar performances from Gordon if the Rockets wish to have any chance of upsetting the Golden State Warriors.

Look for Gordon to continue his strong play as game four approaches us as tip-off begins Monday at 10:30pm ET.

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