After blowing a substantial 17-point lead, the Houston Rockets managed to come alive when it counted most, defeating the Golden State Warriors 97-96 to drop their series deficit t0 2-1.

The Rockets had gone several minutes without a field goal when the Warriors finally took the lead. After a pair of Houston free throws, Golden State managed to get a layup to go on top once again. That's when former MVP runner-up James Harden remembered how good he can be, hitting a step-back leaner in the paint to give the Rockets the hard-fought victory.

In the immediate aftermath of Harden's game-winning bucket, many fans on social media were focused on this melancholy reaction from his estranged teammate, Dwight Howard, as well as a couple other players.

RELATED: Dwight Howard: Warriors ‘get away with’ physical play

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However, in the postgame press conference, Howard was adamant that the Rockets are still in this, and they have to approach every game like it's a must-win.

“The next game has to be like we're playing a Game 7,” Howard said. “We didn't come into this to win one game. We want to win the series.”

On the night, Howard put up 13 points, 13 rebounds, two assists, and two blocks, but his missed free throws down the stretch were almost costly.

Dwight might have been confident last night while talking to the media, but if Stephen Curry is able to play in Game 4, he probably shouldn't be as hopeful.