The Houston Rockets have fallen behind 2-0 in their series versus the Golden State Warriors. Guard Austin Rivers seems to be well aware of what is at stake moving forward.

The Rockets are finally ready to take the series back to Houston for Game 3. According to Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle, made it clear that it is a must-win game:

“Game 3 is a must-win, man. There's no other way to look at it. We have to win that game. Everybody knows that. You don't even have to know basketball to know we can't go down, 3-0.”

There is certainly plenty of truth to rivers' comments. No team has ever overcome a 3-0 deficit to win a seven-game series. The fact that they are squaring off against a star-studded Warriors certainly does not help their cause which is why they must find a way to secure a win at home.

The series has gotten off to a tumultuous start for Houston. Although they have managed to give Golden state a run for their money in both games, their complaints about officiating have largely overshadowed their performance thus far. While they managed to dial it back a bit in Game 2, it is clear that the Rockets still have ill feelings toward the referees. Regardless, Houston is now in a situation where they can no longer concern themselves with every call that does not go their way.

If Houston has any hope of taking Game 3, they will need much more production from their bench. Austin Rivers was their only productive player after dropping 14 points in 24 minutes. Considering what is at stake, he may very well be the only bench player that head coach Mike D'Antonio trusts at this point.