The Golden State Warriors suffered a 115-107 loss to the Houston Rockets Friday at Chase Center, evening their first-round Western Conference playoff series at three games apiece. The defeat forced a decisive Game 7 Sunday in Houston.
Golden State held a 3-1 series advantage after winning Game 4 at home. The Rockets have since won two straight, including Game 6 on the Warriors' home court, to push the series to the limit.
Veteran forward Draymond Green noted issues with effort in the recent losses. "They probably had 20 points off of broken plays and getting loose balls and kicking out for 3s," Green said. "Get loose balls and we'll defend them way better. To beat this team, you’ve got to make second and third efforts. Last two games we have not done that."
Warriors face daunting, ominous Game 7 in Houston after fumbling 3-1 series lead
Fred VanVleet proved a significant factor for the Rockets in Game 6, matching Stephen Curry with a game-high 29 points. His performance followed a pattern seen in past matchups against Golden State. Green referenced the 2019 NBA Finals, stating VanVleet was a key reason the Warriors lost to Toronto that year.The Rockets' defense, coupled with their size and athleticism, has posed challenges for the Warriors' offense over the past two games. Golden State coach Steve Kerr mentioned a defensive mistake on VanVleet during a key fourth-quarter sequence in Game 6.
The Warriors struggled in the final quarter of Game 6, missing shots and failing to contain Houston's offense. They trailed by only two entering the period but saw the deficit grow quickly.
Stephen Curry scored 29 points and Jimmy Butler added 27 in Game 6, but contributions from other players were limited. Buddy Hield, Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, and Quinten Post combined to shoot 11-of-32 from the field.
The upcoming Game 7 places the Warriors in a challenging road environment against a Rockets team carrying momentum. Golden State will need a focused defensive effort, particularly on players like VanVleet and Amen Thompson, and improved offensive execution to advance.
Stephen Curry stated the team's mindset ahead of traveling for the winner-take-all game. “We’re packing for a week,” Curry said. “Getting on this plane to go to Texas and, hopefully, go to Minnesota right after.”
