The Houston Rockets stayed alive in the 2025 NBA Playoffs with a commanding 131-116 victory over the Golden State Warriors in Game 5, forcing a Game 6 in San Francisco. With their backs against the wall, Houston delivered an impressive performance, led by Fred VanVleet and Amen Thompson, both of whom played pivotal roles in the rout.
Key Highlights:
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Fred VanVleet scored 26 points and was a key force throughout the game.
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Amen Thompson added 25 points, showcasing his scoring ability and helping Houston dominate.
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Dillon Brooks contributed with 24 points, rounding out a strong team performance.
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The Rockets shot 55.1% from the field, including 13-of-30 from three-point range.
Game Breakdown:
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Houston raced out to a 14-point lead after the first quarter and was up by 27 points at halftime with VanVleet contributing 19 points by then.
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The Warriors struggled, especially from the field. Stephen Curry, who had been dominant in the series, managed just 13 points on 4-of-12 shooting.
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Jimmy Butler, who had been a key player for Golden State in the series, was off, scoring just 8 points on 2-of-10 shooting.
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Golden State’s Moses Moody led the Warriors with 25 points off the bench, and the team totaled 76 bench points, marking the most for the franchise in a playoff game since the 1970-71 season.
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A scuffle late in the game saw Pat Spencer ejected after headbutting Alperen Sengun, but the Rockets maintained their composure and closed out the game with a 7-2 run.
Warriors Coach Steve Kerr’s Reaction:
Kerr acknowledged Houston’s dominance, saying, “Houston was great and they took it to us right away,” adding that the Warriors’ finish was important but failed to mount a comeback.
What’s Next:
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Game 6 will take place Friday in San Francisco, with the Warriors leading the series 3-2.
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The Rockets, now aiming to become the 14th team in NBA history to come back from a 3-1 deficit, have given themselves a fighting chance, showing resilience and confidence heading into the next game.
With both teams showing contrasting levels of energy and execution in Game 5, it remains to be seen whether Golden State can regain their form or if Houston can continue to push the series to a decisive Game 7.
