On April 23, 2025, the Houston Rockets delivered a crucial victory over the Golden State Warriors, evening their NBA playoff series at 11 with a 10994 win at the Toyota Center in Houston. The Rockets were led by an explosive performance from Jalen Green, who scored 38 points, including eight threepointers, as his team capitalized on a shorthanded Warriors squad.
The game was marked by Greens outstanding shooting, particularly from beyond the arc, as he went 8for18 from threepoint range. His efforts were complemented by strong allaround performances from his teammates, including Alperen Sengun, who registered a near tripledouble with 17 points, 16 rebounds, and 7 assists.
A Complete Team Effort
The Rockets came out firing in the first half, quickly building a solid lead with a 2818 firstquarter advantage. They followed up with a 32point second quarter, stretching the margin to 6046 by halftime. Throughout the game, Houstons defense was a key factor, limiting the Warriors to only 94 points and forcing multiple turnovers. Golden States inability to gain momentum, especially in the second and third quarters, saw them fall behind by as many as 18 points.
While the Warriors fought hard, they struggled with injuries and inconsistent shooting. Stephen Curry, despite putting up 20 points and 9 assists, didnt get enough support from his teammates. Key contributors like Moses Moody 12 points and Jimmy Butler who left the game in the second half due to injury couldnt deliver the spark the Warriors needed. Butler, in particular, was visibly shaken after a hard fall, adding to the Warriors woes as they tried to regroup without their star player.
Warriors Struggles
Golden States night was further complicated by a lack of production from their role players. Currys performance was solid, but he faced constant pressure from Houstons defense, especially after Butlers injury sidelined the Warriors key defensive stopper. The lack of consistent scoring from players like Kevon Looney and Gary Payton II hurt Golden States chances of staying competitive.
Despite some bright moments from Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody, the Warriors offense couldnt overcome their defensive lapses and struggles with injuries. The Rockets capitalized on this, continuing to play aggressively in transition and knocking down critical shots from both inside and beyond the arc.
The Key Moments
One of the turning points of the game came in the second quarter when the Rockets went on an 184 run, outscoring Golden State 4023 in the period. This stretch put the Warriors on the back foot for much of the game, and despite a few lategame pushes, the Rockets managed to maintain their lead.
Greens spectacular dunk in the third quarter, which was part of a 12point surge, sent the home crowd into a frenzy. Alperen Senguns doubledouble, combined with key plays from Tari Eason 14 points, ensured that the Rockets would finish strong.
Looking Ahead
The series is now tied 11, with Game 3 set to take place in San Francisco. The Warriors will need to adjust quickly, particularly in dealing with the injury to Butler, who could be sidelined for an extended period. Golden States stars must step up if they want to regain control of the series, but with the Rockets gaining momentum, the rest of the playoffs could become increasingly challenging.
For Houston, their confidence is soaring. With Green playing at a high level and contributions from multiple players, the Rockets have shown they can compete with the Warriors on both ends of the court. This win puts them in a strong position to challenge for a deeper playoff run.
As the series heads to California, both teams will need to recover and regroup. The stage is set for a thrilling continuation of this highstakes playoff battle.
Key Stats:
Houston Rockets: Jalen Green 38 points, 6 assists; Alperen Sengun 17 points, 16 rebounds, 7 assists; Tari Eason 14 points
Golden State Warriors: Stephen Curry 20 points, 9 assists; Moses Moody 12 points; Jimmy Butler 8 points before injury
The next matchup promises to be a pivotal one as the Warriors and Rockets aim to shift the balance of power in this playoff series.