The Houston Rockets are keeping their playoff hopes alive with a stunning 131-116 victory over the Golden State Warriors in Game 5 of their first-round series on April 30, 2025. This win not only keeps the Rockets in the series but also raises questions about the Warriors' ability to close it out as they now lead the series 3-2.
From the opening tip-off, the Rockets showcased their speed and athleticism, dominating the game and forcing the Warriors into long possessions. They pressured Golden State's offense with a relentless defense, which resulted in seven steals before halftime. The Rockets' defensive strategy effectively disrupted the Warriors' rhythm, leading to a significant 25-point lead at one point in the game.
Stephen Curry, who has been a pivotal player for the Warriors, struggled throughout the night. He managed to score only 13 points on 4-of-12 shooting, including 3-of-9 from beyond the arc. Alongside him, Jimmy Butler had a disappointing outing, finishing with just eight points on 2-of-10 shooting. Draymond Green also had a quiet night, contributing only seven points. The Warriors' starters collectively underperformed, with no other players reaching double figures in scoring.
Despite the starters’ struggles, the Warriors' bench made an impressive effort to close the gap. Moses Moody led the bench with 25 points, shooting 9-of-18 from the field and grabbing nine rebounds. Kevin Knox II added 14 points, while Pat Spencer contributed 13 points on an efficient 5-of-7 shooting performance. Their combined efforts helped cut a 27-point deficit down to just 13 points in the fourth quarter, but it ultimately wasn’t enough to complete the comeback.
The Rockets, on the other hand, delivered a remarkable offensive performance. They shot an impressive 55.1% from the field, with standout performances from Amen Thompson and Fred VanVleet. Thompson scored 25 points on 8-of-12 shooting, while VanVleet led all scorers with 26 points, including four three-pointers. Dillon Brooks also had a notable game, contributing 24 points and showcasing his scoring ability.
At halftime, the Rockets were shooting a staggering 69.4% from the field and had a significant 28-12 advantage in points scored in the paint. Their ability to control the game was evident, as they also outscored the Warriors 10-2 in fastbreak points heading into the locker room. The Rockets’ strategy of pushing the pace and utilizing their athleticism paid off, forcing the Warriors to adjust their game plan.
As the game progressed, the Warriors attempted to mount a comeback. They went on a 25-7 run in the third quarter, narrowing the gap to 14 points. However, this resurgence came too late, and the Rockets held their ground to secure the victory. Warriors coach Steve Kerr acknowledged the challenge posed by the Rockets, stating, "We need to make adjustments to counter their speed and athleticism. They’ve shown they can exploit our weaknesses, and we need to be ready for Game 6."
With this loss, the Warriors face a crucial Game 6 on Friday, May 2, 2025, in San Francisco. They will need to regroup and find ways to overcome the Rockets' aggressive style of play if they hope to advance to the second round. The pressure is now on Golden State, as another loss could force a decisive Game 7.
The Rockets, who finished the regular season as the second seed in the Western Conference with a 52-30 record, are looking to become just the 14th team in NBA history to overcome a 3-1 series deficit. The stakes are high, and with the momentum shifting in their favor, Houston is poised to give the Warriors a run for their money in the upcoming game.
As the series continues, all eyes will be on how the Warriors respond to this setback and whether they can regain their form to close out the series. Fans are eager to see if the Rockets can maintain their momentum and push the Warriors to the brink.
