SAN FRANCISCO – In a thrilling showdown on Friday night, the Houston Rockets defeated the Golden State Warriors 115-107, forcing a deciding Game 7 in their first-round playoff series. The Rockets, led by Fred VanVleet's stellar performance, kept their season alive, while the Warriors now face the challenge of bouncing back on the road.
With the game hanging in the balance entering the fourth quarter, VanVleet started the final frame with a stunning four-point play that shifted the momentum back to Houston. He finished the night with 29 points, eight assists, and eight rebounds, showcasing his ability to rise to the occasion in critical moments.
Alperen Sengun also made a significant impact for the Rockets, contributing 21 points and 14 rebounds, while the Warriors struggled to maintain their early-game rhythm. Stephen Curry led Golden State with 29 points, but his shooting was inconsistent as he went 9 of 23 from the field and only 6 for 16 from beyond the arc.
The Warriors entered the fourth quarter trailing by just two points, optimistic about their chances to close out the series at home. However, they quickly fell victim to a 6-0 run by the Rockets, sparked by VanVleet's four-point play. Draymond Green lamented, "We can't give up a four-point play in a two-point game. It's just like, you lose the life, you know?"
Golden State's offensive struggles were evident as they missed 13 consecutive shots during a critical stretch, allowing Houston to extend their lead. Jimmy Butler added 27 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists for the Warriors, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Rockets' balanced attack.
Houston coach Ime Udoka improved his record to 5-1 when facing elimination, while Warriors coach Steve Kerr was looking to maintain his perfect 7-0 record in first-round playoff series. The Rockets have now battled back from a 3-1 series deficit, a feat they aim to achieve for the third time in franchise history.
"It’s all about what we’re not doing, which is fighting to come up with the loose balls when they’re out there," Green said, expressing the frustration felt by the Warriors after the loss. The turning point in Game 6 was a 14-1 run by Houston in the fourth quarter, which put them up 106-89 and effectively sealed the game.
Golden State's struggles were compounded by a flagrant foul assessed to Draymond Green early in the first quarter when he smacked Rockets guard Jalen Green in the head on a screen. This set the tone for a physical game, with both teams showing intensity throughout.
As the game progressed, the Warriors' defense was unable to contain VanVleet, who has been on fire in the series, hitting 18 three-pointers over his last three games. His ability to capitalize on Golden State's defensive lapses has made him a key player for Houston. "You work all year and train all summer for these moments, and I've always prided myself on trying to rise to the occasion," VanVleet said after the game.
With Game 7 looming on Sunday in Houston, the Warriors will need to regroup and devise a strategy to minimize VanVleet's impact while also finding ways to get their stars, including Curry and Butler, back on track. "It's fun, it's exciting, it's for all the marbles," Green said. "I think Game 7s are fun."
The stakes couldn't be higher as both teams prepare for the ultimate showdown. The Rockets will look to capitalize on their momentum, while the Warriors aim to prove their championship pedigree by closing out the series and advancing to the Western Conference semifinals against a well-rested Minnesota team.
As the anticipation builds for the decisive Game 7, fans can expect an electric atmosphere in Houston, where the Rockets will have the home-court advantage. The game is set to tip off at 5:30 p.m. PT on Sunday, May 4, 2025. Will the Warriors hold on to their lead, or will the Rockets complete their comeback?
