The Houston Rockets came out flat as can be in Game 1 against the Los Angeles Clippers who were without All-Star guard Chris Paul, and got shell shocked by a Clippers team that moved the ball brilliantly even without their point guard.

The Rockets expectedly came out with more energy in their Game 2 win, coaxing the Clippers to rely heavily on Blake Griffin's offense as opposed to the flowing ball movement they displayed the previous game. The Rockets also got to the line an astounding 64 times, the most for any playoff team in a game since 1993.

That would appear to be the two main keys to watch coming into Game 3: the Clips ball movement, and the Rockets free throw attempts. But of course, there's also the question of Paul.

The Clippers spoke openly about not being content with their Game 1 win, saying that they would come out with the same aggressiveness to try and go up 2-0. But the reality is they should be happy to steal home court, and head to Game 3 taking one in Houston.

"This is playoff basketball. The ups and the downs, it's what we always talk about. If we learned anything from last series, it's that one game doesn't have as big an effect on a series as everyone makes it out to be," Griffin said.

They stole a game in Houston without Paul, who would absolutely boost their chances should he make a return in Game 3, where his status as of yet is still questionable.

James Harden came back from a sub-par Game 1 to score 32 points, including 15-15 from the line. The Clippers should look to limit sending the MVP runner-up to the line if they want to take the series lead.

The Rockets visit the Staples Center for Game 3 Friday, May 8:00, tip-off is set at 10:30 pm ET.