Rockets Push Warriors to Game 7 Behind VanVleet’s Stellar Performance
SAN FRANCISCO — The Houston Rockets refused to back down. Fred VanVleet delivered a masterful performance on Friday night, tallying 29 points, eight assists, and eight rebounds to lead the Rockets to a 115-107 victory over the Golden State Warriors, tying their first-round playoff series at 3-3 and forcing a winner-take-all Game 7.
VanVleet set the tone early in the fourth quarter with a momentum-shifting four-point play, just moments after Stephen Curry had pulled the Warriors within striking distance with one of his signature scoring bursts. That shot not only silenced the roaring Chase Center crowd but reasserted Houston’s control as they pulled away down the stretch.
Alperen Sengun dominated inside with 21 points and 14 rebounds, while Steven Adams added 17 points off the bench, providing grit and timely plays on both ends. Jalen Green contributed key hustle plays, including a critical putback to maintain Houston’s momentum.
Golden State’s offense sputtered when it mattered most, going ice cold in the final stretch of the fourth quarter. After Draymond Green’s basket with just over 10 minutes to play, the Warriors missed 13 straight shots before Curry finally connected on a three-pointer with 3:35 left in regulation.
Curry finished with 29 points but struggled from the field, shooting just 9-of-23, including 6-of-16 from beyond the arc. Jimmy Butler added 27 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Houston’s resilience.
“It came down to key moments,” Butler said postgame. “They hit shots. We didn’t.”
VanVleet has been nearly flawless over the past three games, now 18-of-27 from deep and a perfect 22-of-22 at the free-throw line in the series. His efficiency has been a major factor in the Rockets’ comeback from a 3-1 series deficit.
In a tactical move, Warriors coach Steve Kerr inserted Gary Payton II into the starting lineup for defensive pressure, replacing Brandin Podziemski. But the strategy wasn’t enough to slow down VanVleet, who found ways to hurt Golden State from every spot on the floor.
Tensions flared early when Draymond Green was whistled for a flagrant-1 foul after a review determined he had shoved Jalen Green in the first quarter. Despite that moment and the physicality of the series, both teams kept their composure throughout Game 6.
Now, the series shifts back to Houston for Game 7 on Sunday, with the winner set to face the rested Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference semifinals. For the Warriors, it’s a missed opportunity at home. For the Rockets, it’s a chance at redemption and a shot to keep their postseason journey alive.
Will Houston complete the comeback, or will Golden State reassert its playoff pedigree under pressure?
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