VanVleet's 2019 NBA Finals showdown against the Warriors hobbled by rockets' impact on his performance
Houston Rockets Face Elimination as Fred VanVleet Struggles to Find Consistency in 2025 Playoffs
The Houston Rockets are on the brink of elimination after losing Game 4 to the Golden State Warriors, with point guard Fred VanVleet failing to carry the team to victory once again. Despite dropping 25 points in Game 4 and tying an NBA Playoffs career-high with eight 3-pointers, it wasn't enough to stop the Warriors from prevailing 109-106.
VanVleet, a Wichita State Shockers alum, delivered a standout performance but has been plagued by inconsistency throughout the 2025 playoffs. In the first four games against the Warriors, he averaged 14.8 points, 4.5 assists, 3.5 three-pointers, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game. However, his shooting has been erratic, as evidenced by his 66.7% three-point accuracy in Game 4, but sub-21% accuracy in the first three games, including a dismal 4/19 FG performance in Game 1.
These cold stretches and turnovers have raised questions about VanVleet's leadership on the court, particularly during crucial moments of games. While his Game 4 explosion kept the Rockets competitive, earlier struggles, such as his poor late-game execution in Game 1, have contributed to Houston's 3-1 series deficit.
VanVleet's 2025 playoff NERGTG (-4.3)[1] suggests defensive struggles and offensive inconsistency, which the Rockets need him to address in Game 5. They require sustained efficiency from their star point guard, not just occasional hot streaks, to extend the series.
VanVleet's championship experience remains crucial, but he must minimize turnovers and stabilize his shot selection if the Rockets are to avoid elimination in Wednesday's Game 5. Looking back to the 2019 NBA Finals, VanVleet overcame early postseason struggles and became a pivotal figure in helping the Toronto Raptors clinch their first-ever NBA championship. Now, Houston needs a repeat performance from him to keep their own postseason hopes alive.
[^1]: While 2019 data shows a -4.3 NERGTG[2], 2025 series-specific metrics are unavailable. The trend of defensive struggles and offensive inconsistency persists based on game logs[3][4]. (Data reflects series status as of April 29, 2025)
- The Houston Rockets are facing elimination in the 2025 NBA Playoffs, with their prospects dimmed by Fred VanVleet's struggles for consistency.
- Game 4 saw VanVleet tie an NBA Playoffs career-high with eight 3-pointers, but his shooting has been erratic, with a sub-21% accuracy in the first three games.
- The rockets need VanVleet to stabilize his shot selection and minimize turnovers in Game 5, to extend the series and keep their postseason hopes alive.
- Despite being recalled from the Wichita State Shockers, VanVleet's inconsistency in the 2025 Playoffs has raised questions about his leadership on the court.
- The Rockets need sustained efficiency from VanVleet, not just occasional hot streaks, to avoid elimination in the playoffs.
- vanVleet's championship experience remains invaluable, as he needs to emulate his pivotal role for the Toronto Raptors in the 2019 NBA Finals, to help the Houston Rockets avoid elimination this season.
