Houston Rockets defied all expectations in Game 6, pushing the series to a dramatic Game 7 on Sunday, and reminding the NBA world that they’re not to be taken lightly. The young Rockets squad, led by an inspired Fred VanVleet, outlasted the Golden State Warriors with a gritty 115-107 win. Now, the stage is set for a decisive showdown at the Toyota Center, and these five key takeaways show why the Rockets are suddenly the team to beat.
1. Fred VanVleet: The Undrafted Star Steals the Spotlight
Fred VanVleet, once undrafted and now the heart of the Rockets’ offense, continues to impress when it matters most. Over the last three games, he’s poured in 24, 25, and 29 points, hitting an incredible 18 of 27 three-pointers during that stretch. His consistency has been a game-changer, and while the Warriors have struggled to contain him, VanVleet is proving that his past playoff experience — including his Finals success in 2019 — has translated perfectly into this high-stakes series.
VanVleet has shown he’s capable of outplaying even the league’s biggest stars, with a performance that would make Stephen Curry take notice. “The Rockets emptied their wallet for VanVleet a few summers ago, and they’re getting every bit of value,” said one NBA insider. If the Warriors can’t adjust their defense, this series could tilt even further in the Rockets’ favor.
2. The Warriors Have Game 7 Experience — But Is It Enough?
When it comes to elimination games, few are more reliable than Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler. Curry’s stat line in five Game 7 appearances reads like a playoff legend: 32.6 points, 7 assists, and 6.5 rebounds. His most recent Game 7 heroics, a 50-point explosion against the Kings, is a testament to his big-game pedigree.
Butler, too, has shown that when the stakes are high, he rises to the occasion. With his performances against the Celtics in the previous postseason, averaging 31 points and 8 rebounds in crucial moments, he has made a name for himself as one of the most clutch players in the league.
Still, there’s a looming question: Can this aging Warriors roster overcome the Rockets’ momentum? The Warriors will rely heavily on these two veterans, but with the Rockets’ confidence swelling after their Game 6 win, the battle for Game 7 is far from decided.
3. Can Jalen Green Step Up When It Matters?
Jalen Green, the Rockets’ leading scorer, has been far from his usual self this series, with his best game being a 38-point performance in Game 2. In Game 6, he struggled, scoring just 12 points in 32 minutes. His lack of consistency is a concern for Houston, as Green is expected to be a key player in this series.
At 23 years old, Green’s playoff experience is limited, and at times, it shows. He’s been deferring too much, perhaps afraid of missing big shots. But if Game 7 provides the environment he thrives in, Green could easily have a breakout performance that changes the series’ outcome. The first quarter of Game 7 will be critical — if he gets hot early, the crowd at the Toyota Center will be behind him, and that could make all the difference.
4. Warriors Collapse in the Fourth Quarter: A Moment of Truth?
Houston was leading by only two points entering the final quarter of Game 6. What followed was nothing short of stunning: the Warriors fell apart. They missed 11 of their last 12 three-point attempts, with Curry contributing just three points in the final stretch. The Warriors went on a dismal 13-shot streak without a make, as their defense also faltered, allowing the Rockets to pull away with ease.
The Warriors’ inability to finish off the game has raised serious concerns. This wasn’t a case of the Rockets outplaying them in the final moments; it was more of a collapse by a team that should have known how to close the door. The Rockets, on the other hand, played smart, aggressive basketball and took full advantage of the Warriors’ missteps.
Could this collapse indicate that Golden State’s older core is finally feeling the pressure? After a grueling play-in tournament, the Warriors may be running out of gas. With Game 7 looming, it’s unclear whether they can dig deep for another high-stakes performance.
5. Rockets’ Dominant Center Duo: Sengun and Adams Put the Warriors on Notice
In the paint, the Rockets have a two-headed monster that is difficult for any team to deal with. Alperen Sengun and Steven Adams have been a force to be reckoned with, dominating the Warriors in Game 6.
Sengun delivered a stellar stat line with 21 points, 14 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals, showcasing his versatility and skill. Against Draymond Green, who is typically one of the best defenders in the league, Sengun has proven himself to be a difficult matchup, especially in the post.
Meanwhile, Adams, though not a statistical juggernaut, made his presence felt with 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 blocks. His calming leadership and ability to draw fouls have been vital in keeping the Rockets competitive in the series. His influence is clear: when he’s on the floor, the Rockets are plus-53 in the series.
The Warriors have tried to contain this powerful duo but have had limited success. Draymond Green can only do so much, and with the Rockets’ center depth, Golden State may find themselves outmatched when it comes to the paint. The Warriors will need to find a way to neutralize Sengun and Adams if they hope to have a shot at winning Game 7.
As the series heads to Houston for a dramatic Game 7, one thing is clear: the Rockets are not the underdogs anymore. They have fought back from a 3-1 deficit, forcing a Game 7 with a blend of youthful energy, veteran leadership, and strategic play.
While the Warriors still have the experience and firepower of Curry and Butler, the Rockets’ momentum, combined with their depth and confidence, could give them the edge in this winner-takes-all showdown. Fans can expect a high-octane, thrilling contest — and with both teams now facing their ultimate test, it’s anyone’s game.
I am a writer with a passion for technology and gaming. I write about a variety of subjects, including Esports, Games, Shows, and Sports. I create engaging and informative content for Hiptoro.