The intensity of a storied rivalry electrifies the air as two elite teams prepare to carve a new chapter in playoff history this season. The upcoming clash marks not just a game, but a dramatic turning point where athletic ambition meets relentless determination. Both teams aim to push the boundaries of excellence on the court, promising a display of high-octane offense and resolute defense that will capture the imagination of basketball enthusiasts.
Emerging from a period of rebuilding, the Rockets have rediscovered their competitive spirit by clinching a playoff spot for the first time since 2020. Seeding as the No. 2 contender in the West, Houston now showcases a blend of seasoned grit and youthful energy. With first-time All-Star Alperen Sengun anchoring the frontcourt and experienced leaders like Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks guiding the team, the Rockets have redefined their identity. The inclusion of dynamic talents such as Jalen Green, Amen Thompson, and Jabari Smith Jr. further reinforces their readiness to confront any challenge and navigate the demanding gauntlet of the Western Conference.
On the other side stands a franchise that has long left its mark on basketball history. The Warriors, steeped in tradition yet embracing fresh talent, view this playoff series as an opportunity to demonstrate their versatility. With iconic figures like Stephen Curry and Draymond Green continuing to inspire, the team has seamlessly integrated new key players, including a rising star in Jimmy Butler. Having battled through initial play-in challenges to secure the No. 7 seed, the Warriors are poised for significant tests on both ends of the court, set to create mesmerizing moments as they look to etch another memorable chapter in their legacy.
In a contest where every player’s contribution matters, both sides enter the arena with largely healthy lineups. Houston faces the setback of missing valuable players Jock Landale, sidelined with a right knee contusion, and Jae’Sean Tate, who is out due to a right ankle impingement. Meanwhile, the Warriors maintain a strong roster despite minor concerns; Stephen Curry and Gary Payton II are dealing with thumb injuries yet remain active and poised to make an impact. The resilience of each team will be tested as they adapt their strategies to navigate these challenges, underscoring the physical demands of postseason play.
As the clock ticks toward the 9:30 p.m. tip-off, both teams stand at the crossroads of ambition and legacy. This series promises more than just a basketball game—it invites fans to witness a convergence of history, strategy, and sheer passion. The Rockets, with their rejuvenated lineup, seek to rewrite their narrative, while the Warriors are determined to uphold and evolve a tradition of excellence. Ultimately, the outcome may well redefine the dynamics of the playoff landscape, leaving an indelible mark on the future of the sport.
Houston faced the Golden State Warriors in the playoffs four times between 2015-19, and each time the Rockets were sent packing. On Sunday night, the No. 2 seed Rockets return to the postseason for the first time since 2020 and will face their old playoff nemesis — Steph Curry and the seventh-seeded Warriors in Game 1 of the best-of-seven Western Conference series. While Curry, Draymond Green, and Kevon Looney were around for all those battles with the Rockets, including wins in the Western Conference finals in 2015 and 2018, there isn’t a player remaining on Houston’s roster who played in even one of those games. And these Rockets aren’t worried about what happened in the past. “This ain’t that team,” Houston’s Fred VanVleet said.
Indeed. Those teams were led by James Harden, whose trade demand sent the Rockets into a full rebuild that made them one of the NBA’s worst teams for three seasons. Coach Ime Udoka was hired before last season and Houston improved to 41-41 before making another jump this season to end the playoff drought. “We’re not just happy to be here,” Udoka said. “We wanna obviously make some noise as well.” These new-look Rockets have veterans VanVleet and Dillon Brooks, but rely heavily on a young core of high draft picks led by Jalen Green, Jabari Smith, and Amen Thompson.
“They are the No. 2 seed for a reason,” Curry said. “They have played well all year long. They play a certain physical style of defense, and they are super athletic.” The Warriors got the seventh seed with a 121-116 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday night in the Play-In Tournament to return to the playoffs after failing to make the postseason after losing the play-in last season. Dillon the Villain Brooks embraces the villain role for the Rockets with his aggressive play and piled up the league’s second-most technical fouls this season with 16. In this series, he’ll face Green, who also has a penchant for collecting technical fouls and was three behind Brooks with 13. With the two of them facing off for potentially seven games, many expect there to be some fireworks. That led to Brooks being asked how many ejections he expects in the series. “I don’t know,” he said. “I’m not going to get ejected. I’ll leave that to somebody else.”
Jimmy Butler had made 63 of 68 free throws in eight April games before missing six at the line — 12 for 18 — on Tuesday night. It marked Golden State’s first victory in the play-in rounds after going 0-3 in games played in 2021 and last year. The knack “Playoff Jimmy” has for drawing contact and getting to the line has meant so much to the Warriors. “Incredibly quick first step and crafty feel for the game,” coach Steve Kerr said. “He’s clearly one of the best iso players in the NBA and a lot of that efficiency just comes from drawing contact and so I can’t tell you how valuable that is for us, what it does for our team to settle the game down and setting our defense up. There’s a reason our whole season shifted when we got him; he’s that good.”
The Warriors were 23-8 in the regular season after acquiring Butler from the Heat. Underdogs, the Warriors are the betting favorites and have been picked by many prognosticators to win the series despite the Rockets being a much higher seed. Golden State last won the title in 2022, and two of its other titles came in 2015 and 2018 after they beat the Rockets to advance to the NBA Finals. Houston won its only titles in 1994 and 1995. Udoka said the Rockets don’t care that they’re the underdogs in this series and can’t concern themselves with outside noise.
Golden State has allowed costly opponents offensive rebounds contributing to second and third chances in recent games. The Warriors were beaten 50-39 on the boards by the Grizzlies and 42-25 in a 124-119 defeat to the Clippers in the regular-season finale last Sunday. Kerr has stressed “scrapping and getting to every loose ball.” The Rockets led the NBA this season by averaging 14.6 offensive rebounds, and Golden State was fifth with 12.5. High-flying forward Jonathan Kuminga’s role has diminished since Butler joined the team. Sidelined by an ankle injury earlier this year, Kuminga didn’t play the past two games.
As the first game of the series approaches, anticipation is high for what promises to be an exhilarating contest. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how these two teams will clash on the court and what strategies will unfold. With the Rockets eager to prove their worth and the Warriors looking to solidify their legacy, this matchup is set to be a thrilling start to the postseason.
