Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet has experienced significant offensive inefficiency during the team's playoff series against the Golden State Warriors. Through the first three games, VanVleet made only 26.8% of his shots from the field and 20.7% of his 3-point attempts.
The veteran guard is averaging 11.3 points and four assists per game while playing heavy minutes, averaging 41 minutes per contest in the series. The Rockets trail the Warriors 2-1 heading into Game 4.
VanVleet acknowledged the need for better performance following the team's Game 3 loss. "There’s times and places where I have to play better, I have to make shots at a higher clip," VanVleet said. "I have to find rhythm and find ways to be more aggressive."
He added that drawing defensive attention, sometimes seeing two defenders far from the basket, helps create opportunities for others. However, he took responsibility for his own shooting performance. "I have to be better, 1,000%, and if I make two more shots we probably win Game 1. If I make a couple more (Saturday), we probably get out of here with a win, so that’s totally on me, for sure."
VanVleet is in the second year of his contract with the Rockets, which includes a club option for $44,886,930 for the 2025-26 season. Houston must make a decision on this option by June.
Coach Ime Udoka noted the Warriors have applied defensive pressure, particularly trapping VanVleet and Jalen Green. Udoka highlighted the team's struggle to convert opportunities created when the defense commits multiple players to the ball handler. Houston shot 19-of-48 in the paint during Game 3.
Udoka stated VanVleet understands when to balance scoring and facilitating. "He knows when to balance that, when to be aggressive... And so for him, he reads it really well, makes the right play more often than not," Udoka said.
The Rockets rely on VanVleet, Green, and others like Alperen Şengün to initiate offense. The team needs to improve its execution against defensive pressure to create higher-quality shots earlier in the shot clock.
Despite the offensive struggles, VanVleet has contributed defensively, tallying three steals in Houston's Game 2 win where they were plus-19 in his minutes.
The Rockets are seeking more offensive consistency as they attempt to extend the series. VanVleet commented on adjusting to defensive schemes and building on previous performances. "Every team guards me differently. Obviously they are familiar with me and I know that they are going to guard me a certain type of way," he said. "Good to see a couple go in and got to build on that for the next game."
