THE Houston Rockets forced a decisive Game 7 in their first-round playoff series by defeating the Golden State Warriors 115-107 on Friday night (Saturday, April 3, 2025, PH time).
Fred VanVleet led the charge for Houston with 29 points, eight assists, and eight rebounds, while Alperen Sengun contributed a strong performance with 21 points and 14 rebounds.
Golden State’s offense faltered down the stretch, as the Warriors went cold for a crucial stretch, missing 13 consecutive shots between a Draymond Green basket with 10:12 remaining and a Stephen Curry three-pointer at the 3:35 mark.
Curry finished with 29 points but struggled with his shooting, going 9 of 23 from the field and 6 of 16 from beyond the arc. Jimmy Butler added 27 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists for the Warriors.
VanVleet’s key plays in the fourth quarter helped Houston maintain their lead. He converted a four-point play early in the quarter, and Jalen Green followed with a putback. VanVleet then hit a crucial three-pointer with 6:47 left to put Houston ahead 101-89.
Despite a late push from the Warriors, fueled by a Curry layup and two free throws that brought them within 86-84, Houston responded to every Golden State threat.
Steven Adams provided a boost off the bench with 17 points and key hustle plays.
The series now shifts to Houston for Game 7 on Sunday, with the winner advancing to face a well-rested Minnesota team in the Western Conference semifinals.
This outcome is not what the Warriors had hoped for, having had the opportunity to clinch the series at home.
Houston’s offensive surge in Game 5, where they scored 131 points, continued in Game 6.
VanVleet has been a key contributor for the Rockets, shooting 7 for 13 from the floor in this game, following consecutive 8-for-13 performances. He has also been effective from the free-throw line, going 9 for 9 in this game and 21 for 27 in the last three games.
During the game, Draymond Green passed Isiah Thomas for 15th place on the NBA playoff assists list and now has 992 career playoff assists. Green also committed a flagrant-1 foul in the first quarter.
The Warriors’ record since Butler’s arrival on February 8th following a trade from Miami is now 27-11. / From the wires