The Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets faced off in Game 2 of their NBA playoff series on April 23, 2025, at the Toyota Center in Houston. The matchup, which started at 22h30 (Brasília time), was highly anticipated after the Warriors won the first game 95-85. With the series tied at 1-1, both teams were eager to gain an advantage as they head into the next games.
The Warriors came into this game with a strong roster, including star players Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green. In Game 1, Curry and Butler showcased why they are considered among the league's elite, combining for a stellar performance that helped secure the victory. Golden State's starting lineup for Game 2 featured Curry, Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, Butler, and Green, as they looked to capitalize on their momentum.
On the other hand, the Rockets were determined to even the series after their Game 1 loss. Houston's lineup included Fred VanVleet, Jalen Green, Amen Thompson, Dillon Brooks, and Alperen Sengun. The Rockets aimed to exploit their home-court advantage, where they had historically performed well against the Warriors, boasting a record of 66 wins to 53 losses in their home matchups.
As the game unfolded, the Rockets quickly established dominance. Amen Thompson, who had the crucial task of guarding Curry, made an immediate impact, helping the Rockets build an early lead. The first quarter saw the Rockets take charge, with Jalen Green and Tari Eason contributing significantly, each scoring seven points to help Houston lead by ten points at the end of the period.
However, the game took a turn for the Warriors when Jimmy Butler suffered an injury during a rebound attempt. He fell hard on his back and was ruled out for the remainder of the game. Butler's absence was felt immediately, as the Warriors struggled to find their rhythm without one of their key players. Brandin Podziemski also left the game due to illness, further complicating Golden State's situation.
In the second quarter, the Rockets capitalized on the Warriors' misfortunes. Alperen Sengun emerged as a key player, scoring 11 points in the quarter, helping the Rockets extend their lead to 20 points. The Warriors, meanwhile, continued to struggle with their shooting and rebounding, which allowed Houston to maintain control.
Despite the challenges, the Warriors attempted to rally back. Stephen Curry, who had been relatively quiet in the first half, managed to score six points in the final two minutes before halftime. However, the Rockets went into the break with a commanding lead, having out-rebounded the Warriors 13 to 8.
The second half began with the Rockets maintaining their intensity. Jalen Green, who had been on fire, scored 15 points in the third quarter alone, bringing his total to 30 points for the game. The Rockets' defense was relentless, forcing turnovers and limiting the Warriors' scoring opportunities. As the game progressed, the Warriors found it increasingly difficult to close the gap.
In the fourth quarter, Dillon Brooks and Fred VanVleet helped push the Rockets' lead to 20 points again. The Warriors, despite some promising moments from Quinten Post and Curry, could not find a consistent scoring rhythm. Curry finished the game with 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 9 assists, but it was not enough to overcome the Rockets' strong performance.
Ultimately, the Houston Rockets secured a decisive 109-94 victory, tying the series at 1-1 and showcasing their potential as a formidable playoff contender. The Rockets' success in Game 2 was fueled by Jalen Green's outstanding performance, alongside contributions from Sengun and Thompson.
Looking ahead, the series will shift to San Francisco, where the teams will face off again at the Chase Center for Game 3 on April 26, 2025, at 21h30 (Brasília time). The game will be broadcast on ESPN and Disney+. With the series now tied, both teams will be eager to gain the upper hand as they vie for a chance to advance in the playoffs.
As the playoffs continue, fans will be watching closely to see how the Warriors respond to their Game 2 defeat and how the Rockets maintain their momentum. With the stakes high, the upcoming games promise to deliver thrilling basketball action.
