HOUSTON — In the end, it comes down to 3-pointers.



That, of course, is a fitting decider for a series between the Warriors and Rockets. Both earned their stripes from behind the line. They became elite by betting on the 3 and backing it up with a versatile defense. Their rivalry began when the Rockets tried to break the single-game 3-point record on the Warriors.



And now they’re here. Game 7 tonight. Their chance at a championship on the line. The critical factor for both teams becomes how well they defend the 3 and how well they shoot it.



The Rockets have taken 77 wide-open 3-pointers this series. The NBA defines wide open as the defender being at least six feet away. That’s a third of their attempts, and they make the wide-open ones at a 41.6 percent clip, which is tops of the four teams in the conference finals.



This has been their bread and butter throughout the playoffs. The Rockets have taken 253 wide-open 3-pointers,...