HOUSTON -- There is something appropriate about the Houston Rockets' championship aspirations hinging upon the availability of guard Chris Paul.
His right hamstring strain could not only shift the balance of the Western Conference Finals, it might impact which team hoists the Larry O'Brien Trophy at the end of the NBA Finals and this postseason marred by injuries.
Paul, acquired by the Rockets last offseason to provide the backcourt depth required to challenge the reigning champion Golden State Warriors, departed with 22.4 seconds remaining in Houston's 98-94 win in Game 5 at Toyota Center and sat out Golden State's 115-86 win in Game 6 at Oracle Arena.