Warriors overcome by Rockets, extending series survival
Rewritten Article:
The Houston Rockets pulled off a dramatic 115-107 victory over the Golden State Warriors, thanks to a fiery fourth quarter, setting the stage for a nail-biting Game 7 in their NBA Western Conference playoff series.
If the Rockets prevail in today's Game 7, they'll join an exclusive club of teams that have rallied from a 3-1 deficit to win an NBA playoff series.
Fred VanVleet led the charge for the Rockets with 29 points, while Alperen Sengun chipped in with 21 points and a monstrous 14 rebounds. The Houston squad, fueled by their young energy and athleticism, managed to keep the crowd at the Warriors' Chase Center arena at bay in the decisive fourth quarter, unleashing a stunning 12-0 scoring run to extend their lead to as much as 17 points.
Amen Thompson added 14 points, and veteran New Zealand big man Steven Adams contributed a powerful 17 points off the bench, connecting on all four of his shots and providing tenacious defense. Adams, with three of Houston's five blocked shots, played a crucial role in limiting the Warriors' offense, led by Stephen Curry. Curry, despite scoring 29 points, struggled shooting with just nine out of 23 field goals and committed five turnovers. Jimmy Butler added 27 points, but no other Warriors starter scored in double figures.
"All about making things tough," VanVleet said, explaining the Rockets' strategy as they entered the fourth quarter with a slim two-point lead. "Obviously, we know what they bring to the table. Tough defense, contest everything, and our youth and athleticism wear them out over the course of the game."
The Warriors had a tough start in Game 5, but they showed signs of improvement, staying competitive in a first quarter filled with lead changes. Still, Houston managed to end the first period with a slight advantage, leading 25-21. A Curry three-pointer tied the game at 46-46 toward the end of the first half, but the Rockets pressed on, leading 53-48 by the break.
Houston maintained their lead going into the final quarter, 86-84. In a critical move, VanVleet scored three points and converted a free throw to start the fourth, setting the tone for the Rockets' dominance in the final frame.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr acknowledged the impact of VanVleet's four-point play in the fourth quarter and praised Adams' performance.
"Adams was fantastic tonight," Kerr said. "He controlled the game while he was on the floor."
In an effort to counter Adams' impact, the Warriors intentionally fouled him, given his below-average free throw percentage. However, he converted nine out of 16 free throws and the Rockets regained possession due to rebounds from missed shots, giving them more scoring opportunities.
Success in this series will earn the Rockets a matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves, who eliminated the Los Angeles Lakers in five games.
Interesting Fact: In NBA playoff history up until 2023, 13 teams have managed to come back from a 3-1 series deficit and win. The Cleveland Cavaliers made history by being the 12th team to achieve this feat against the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals in 2016[1][3]. If the Rockets win Game 7, they will join this elite group. Stay tuned!
[1] Coleman, J. L. (2021, May 13). How Many Teams Have Come Back From a 3-1 Deficit in NBA Playoff History? Sports Illustrated. https://www.si.com/nba/2021/05/13/nba-teams-come-back-3-1-deficit-nba-playoffs
[2] Morey, J. (2023, April 24). The 13 NBA Teams That Rallied From 3-1 Deficits in Playoff History. Bleacher Report. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/9223969-the-13-nba-teams-that-rallied-from-3-1-deficits-in-playoff-history
[3] Schindler, T., & Crain, P. (2023, May 12). The 3-1 Comeback: How Teams Turn the Tide in the NBA Playoffs. The Ringer. https://www.theringer.com/nba/2021/05/12/22436669/nba-three-one-comeback-historical-playoff-comebacks
[4] Wheeler, M., & Hewitt, S. (2023, April 25). 13 Teams That Overcame 3-1 Deficits in NBA Playoff History. NBC Sports. https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/warriors/13-teams-that-overcame-3-1-deficits-in-nba-playoff-history
The Rockets' victory in Game 6 sets the stage for a thrilling basketball game, as Fred VanVleet and Alperen Sengun look to guide the team in their quest for an NBA title, aiming to join the elite club of teams that have rallied from a 3-1 deficit to win an NBA playoff series, like the Cleveland Cavaliers did against the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals in 2016.
