The Houston Rockets pulled off a stunning victory against the Golden State Warriors, winning 115-107 in Game 6 of the NBA playoffs at Chase Center in San Francisco on May 2, 2025. This win not only kept the Rockets' playoff hopes alive but also set the stage for a decisive Game 7 in Houston.
Fred VanVleet was the star of the night, leading the Rockets with 29 points, including six three-pointers. His performance was crucial in a game where the Rockets needed every bit of firepower to stave off elimination. VanVleet's shooting was on point, especially in the fourth quarter, where he helped the Rockets take control of the game. "I saw the first one go in and knew the flood gates were still open for the rest of the night," VanVleet said post-game.
The Rockets started strong, taking a 40-24 lead in the first quarter. Alperen Sengun set the tone early, scoring six quick points to give Houston an early advantage. Despite a late surge from the Warriors, who tied the game before halftime thanks to an 11-0 run by Stephen Curry, the Rockets maintained their composure and reclaimed the lead.
Steven Adams also had a significant impact on the game, scoring 17 points and grabbing five rebounds in 31 minutes of play. His defensive presence was felt throughout the match, as he contributed to the Rockets' strong defensive effort, forcing the Warriors into 16 turnovers. "It has been and will be the defense that carries this team in this series," Adams commented.
As the game progressed, the Rockets' defense tightened, especially in the fourth quarter, where the Warriors managed to score only five points in the first seven minutes. The Rockets capitalized on this offensive drought, extending their lead and ultimately sealing the victory. Coach Ime Udoka emphasized the importance of defense in his post-game remarks, stating, "The pressure was air-tight all night and that forced the Warriors into turnovers, many of which were taken for points on the other end."
On the other side, the Warriors faced challenges throughout the game. Curry, who has been a key player for Golden State, struggled to find his rhythm, finishing with only 13 points on 4-of-12 shooting. His performance was hindered by a thumb injury that has been a topic of discussion throughout the series. Warriors coach Steve Kerr expressed frustration over the Rockets' strategy of targeting Curry's injured thumb, calling it "the most idiotic thing I've ever seen."
Despite Curry's struggles, the Warriors managed to keep the game competitive, thanks to contributions from Jimmy Butler and Klay Thompson. Butler scored 12 points, while Thompson added 11, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Rockets' strong performance.
The series now heads to a crucial Game 7, set to take place on Sunday night in Houston. The Rockets will look to build on their momentum from this victory, while the Warriors will aim to regain their form and advance to the next round of the playoffs. This matchup has been intense, and with both teams having shown their capabilities, fans can expect an electrifying finale.
As the teams prepare for the decisive game, the stakes couldn't be higher. The winner will not only advance in the playoffs but also have the opportunity to face the Minnesota Timberwolves in the next round. With both teams having their strengths and weaknesses highlighted throughout this series, the anticipation for Game 7 is palpable.
In conclusion, the Rockets' victory in Game 6 has set the stage for a thrilling conclusion to this first-round playoff series. With the series tied at 3-3, all eyes will be on Houston as they prepare to host the Warriors for what promises to be an unforgettable Game 7.
