Missiles escalate tensions
Game 2: Jalen Green Galvanizes the Rockets
HOUSTON - Just one game after a lackluster playoff debut, Jalen Green turned the tables and ignited the Houston Rockets to a 109-94 victory over the Golden State Warriors, evening the Western Conference series. Green dropped 38 points, swishing eight three-pointers, and dished out six assists, showing a remarkable turnaround from his seven-point, 3-of-15 shooting performance in Game 1.
The seventh-seeded Warriors struggled to keep up, never leading from the get-go following Jimmy Butler's departure due to a pelvic contusion. Green's exceptional performance overshadowed the absence of Butler and other Warriors' challenges, ensuring the Rockets would not concede their advantage.
Green's eight three-pointers surpassed the Rockets' total for the entire Game 1 (6-of-29), showcasing an improved offensive flow. Alperen Sengun provided key reinforcements with 17 points and an impressive 16 rebounds. Meanwhile, Tari Eason contributed 14 points off the bench.
Stephen Curry mustered 20 points and nine assists for the Warriors, inching closer to becoming just the 11th player in NBA history with 4,000 career playoff points (currently at 4,017). Despite Green's dominance and the Rockets' considerable lead, the Warriors managed to whittle down the gap to 11 following a 9-0 run and a flagrant foul on Green against Draymond Green.
However, the Rockets reasserted control with an 8-0 spurt, extending the lead to 99-80, thanks to some timely plays by Green. Tension escalated as Draymond Green was hit with a technical foul for arguing with the officials, and Eason received another for throwing a towel recklessly. The loss of Butler was a significant setback for the Warriors, given the forward had amassed 25 points, seven rebounds, and six assists in the series opener.
Meanwhile, in the Eastern Conference, see who topped the Heat with Donovan Mitchell's outstanding play for the Cavaliers.
Cavaliers 121, Heat 112
CLEVELAND - Powered by Donovan Mitchell's 30 points, 17 in the fourth quarter, the Cleveland Cavaliers edged the Miami Heat 121-112, setting the stage for a 2-0 lead in their Eastern Conference series. The top-ranked Cavaliers hit an impressive 22 three-pointers for the game, but Miami's valiant second-half comeback challenge fell short. Tyler Herro led the Heat with 33 points.
Celtics 109, Magic 100
BOSTON - In Tatum's absence due to a right wrist bone bruise, Jaylen Brown stepped up to lead the Boston Celtics to a 109-100 victory against the Orlando Magic. With standout performances of 36 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists, Brown moved the Celtics' series lead to 2-0. Orlando's late push fell just short, as the Celtics hit 12 three-pointers and knocked down 25 of their 33 free throws. Derrick White and Brown combined for 28 points in the decisive fourth quarter. Paolo Banchero spearheaded the Magic with 32 points and nine rebounds.
- Despite Jimmy Butler's absence due to a pelvic contusion, Jalen Green's exceptional performance in Game 2, where he scored 38 points, outshone the challenges faced by the Golden State Warriors, ensuring the Houston Rockets wouldn't concede their series advantage.
- In a remarkable turnaround from his performance in Game 1, Jalen Green, at the NBA playoffs in 2025, swished eight three-pointers against the Golden State Warriors, surpassing the Rockets' total for the entire Game 1.
- Stephen Curry mustered 20 points and nine assists for the Golden State Warriors inGame 2, inching closer to becoming just the 11th player in NBA history with 4,000 career playoff points, currently at 4,017 points.
- In the NBA Eastern Conference series, Donovan Mitchell scored 30 points, 17 in the fourth quarter, leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 2-0 lead over the Miami Heat with an impressive 121-112 victory.
