THE HOUSTON ROCKETS staged a huge comeback to stay alive in the NBA play-offs, overcoming the Los Angeles Clippers 119-107 to force a game seven in their series.

The Clippers led by 19 points late in the third quarter at the Staples Center before the Rockets rallied to level the Western Conference semi-final series at 3-3 on Thursday.

Dwight Howard (20 points and 21 rebounds) led the way for the Rockets, who will host game seven at the Toyota Center on Sunday.

James Harden went at just five-of-20 from the field in his 23-point haul, but he hit all 11 of his free-throws.

Chris Paul (31 points and 11 assists) and Blake Griffin (28 points) had appeared to have the Clippers on track before the comeback. This play from Griffin was the highlight:

The Cleveland Cavaliers reached the East final after completing a 4-2 series win over the Chicago Bulls with a 94-73 victory at the United Center.

Matthew Dellavedova was the surprise top-scorer for the Cavs with 19 points.

Double-doubles from LeBron James (15 points and 11 assists) and Tristan Thompson (13 points and 17 rebounds) helped.

Jimmy Butler had a team-high 20 points for the Bulls, who shot at a lowly 37.5 per cent from the field.

The Cavs will face either the Atlanta Hawks or the Washington Wizards, with the former leading that semi-final series 3-2.

Irish riders past and present share (painful) memories of their debut Rás

‘I broke my hand punching Simon Easterby in my first game back’