Warriors defeated in game to keep Rockets alive in series
Rewritten Article:
🏀 Showdown in Game 7: Houston Rockets Triumph against Golden State Warriors in Nail-biting Match 🏀
The Houston Rockets thrived in a pulsating fourth quarter to clinch a 115-107 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Friday, setting the stage for an electrifying Game 7 in their NBA Western Conference playoff series.
With the win, the Rockets edged closer to becoming the 14th team in NBA history to win a playoff series after losing the initial three games – a feat they'll aim to achieve as they host Game 7 today.
Fred VanVleet led the charge with 29 points, while Alperen Sengun added 21 points and a robust 14 rebounds for the Rockets. A relentless fourth quarter saw Houston parade an impressive 12-0 scoring run, ultimately taking their lead to a commanding 17 points.
Amen Thompson contributed 14 points, and veteran Steven Adams, who hails from New Zealand, showcased his offensive prowess with 17 points off the bench – converting all four of his field goals and imposing a daunting defensive presence.
Adams accounted for three of Houston's five blocked shots, playing a pivotal role in keeping the Warriors' prolific offense, spearheaded by Stephen Curry, in check. Curry finished with 29 points, but his shooting efficiency left much to be desired, connecting on just nine out of 23 attempts and committing five turnovers.
Jimmy Butler added 27 points for the Warriors, but no other starter managed to score in double figures.
"We aim to make everything difficult," said VanVleet post-match. "We knew what they were capable of."
"It's about contested shots, defense, and leveraging our youth and athleticism to wear them down over the course of the game," he added.
Initially overwhelmed in Game 5, the Warriors managed a slightly improved start in Friday's contest, but the first quarter was closely contested, with neither team leading by more than two points. Houston led 25-21 at the end of the first period.
Despite Curry tying the game at 46-46 with a three-pointer with less than two minutes left in the first half, the Rockets continued to pull away, leading 53-48 after a turbulent half in which the Warriors committed 11 turnovers.
Houston maintained a narrow lead entering the fourth before VanVleet drilled a three-pointer in the opening seconds of the final quarter, sinking the free throw in a portentous sign of things to come.
"I believe the crucial play was a four-point play to start the [fourth] quarter," lamented Warriors coach Steve Kerr. "We didn't defend VanVleet, they initiated a fast break, and he nailed the shot while grabbing the foul and converting the free throw – a game-changing play."
Kerr also acknowledged the outstanding performance of Adams, who spent a record 31 minutes on the court.
"Adams was exceptional tonight," Kerr praised. "The Rockets controlled the game with him on the court."
Faced with Adams' dominant presence, the Warriors resorted to fouling him often, although his low free throw percentage worked against them as he still managed to make nine out of 16 free throws. The Rockets also capitalized on the rebounds of Adams' missed free throws.
The victors of this series will face the Minnesota Timberwolves, who ousted the LA Lakers in a five-game sweep.
Historical Note:Throughout NBA history, a total of 13 teams have managed to overcome a 3-1 deficit to win a series – notable instances include the Denver Nuggets in 2020 and the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016, who went on to win the NBA championship after overcoming a 3-1 deficit in the finals.
- Fred VanVleet, with 29 points, threw a crucial three-pointer in the opening seconds of the fourth quarter, initiating a 12-0 scoring run for the Houston Rockets.
- Alperen Sengun, besides scoring 21 points, added 14 rebounds, contributing significantly to the Rockets' commanding 17-point lead in the fourth quarter.
- Steven Adams, hailing from New Zealand, showed his offensive potential with 17 points off the bench and played a pivotal role in the Rockets' defensive strategy, blocking three shots against the Golden State Warriors.
- In Game 7 of their NBA Western Conference playoff series, the Houston Rockets, aiming to become the 14th team in NBA history to win a playoff series after losing the initial three games, will host the Golden State Warriors today, with Fred VanVleet and company looking to replicate their 29-107 victory from Friday's match.
