The NBA Playoffs are rarely short of drama, but the current series between the Golden State Warriors and the Houston Rockets has reached a fever pitch. With the Rockets securing a decisive Game 6 victory, the Warriors find themselves at a crossroads—on the verge of yet another 3-1 collapse.
As the Rockets strolled to a blowout win, the stage is set for an all-or-nothing Game 7 on Sunday night in Houston. It’s a situation that has Warriors fans and analysts alike nervously glancing back at history. The Warriors, as any true basketball fan knows, are no strangers to a 3-1 series collapse, having been on the losing side of that story in the 2016 Finals. Now, history threatens to repeat itself.
Houston’s Defense and Offensive Surge Have Overwhelmed Golden State
Despite the Warriors’ three wins in this series, it has largely felt like they’ve been playing catch-up. The Rockets have unleashed a defensive juggernaut, suffocating Golden State’s shooters and dominating the offensive glass. The result? A 23-point differential between the two teams over the last two games, a stark reminder of how thoroughly the Rockets have taken control since going down 3-1.
The heart of the Rockets’ defensive surge lies in Steven Adams, whose rim protection has been a game-changer. But it’s not just about defense; the Rockets’ offense has been nothing short of explosive. Averaging 123 points in the last two games, the Rockets are showing that their offense is just as dangerous as their defense.
Rockets’ Offense Is No Fluke—They’re Scoring by Committee
Houston’s offensive prowess shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone. While the Rockets may not have a traditional go-to scorer, they’ve shown time and time again that they can score by committee. With multiple shot-creators and players capable of stepping up, they’ve made it impossible for Golden State to focus its defense on just one player.
Fred VanVleet has been especially deadly, scoring 29 points in Game 6, including a crucial four-point play to start the fourth quarter. That play, which extended Houston’s lead, was a dagger in Golden State’s hopes of staging a comeback. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr acknowledged the play’s impact, saying, “I thought the key play was the four-point play to start the [fourth] quarter. That’s on us as a staff.”
VanVleet, reflecting on Houston’s success, said, “One thing about this team is we’ve prided ourselves on our balance all season and having different guys that can step up and make shots when it’s in rhythm.” And rhythm is something this Rockets team has found in spades.
Golden State’s Struggles Are Becoming More Apparent
Despite Stephen Curry’s heroic efforts, the Warriors are increasingly outmatched. Golden State’s famed offensive system, which has dominated the NBA for years, is being stymied by Houston’s defense and size. The Rockets have exposed the Warriors’ lack of individual creators beyond Curry, forcing the Warriors to rely on a system that is no longer yielding the same results.
The Warriors’ shooting woes have been well-documented. They missed 15 of their first 16 shots in the fourth quarter of Game 6, a statistic that tells the story of a team that simply couldn’t find its rhythm when it mattered most. While Curry is still capable of putting the team on his back, as he did in Game 7 against the Sacramento Kings two years ago, this time around, he has little room to operate against a defense designed to shut him down.
Rockets’ Youth, Size, and Athleticism Outshine Warriors’ Experience
What’s been most striking about this series is the way the Rockets’ youth, size, and athleticism have outshone Golden State’s experience. Houston’s roster is built for the modern NBA—quick, explosive, and versatile. Players like Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason have stepped up as crucial scoring threats, often going unnoticed by the Warriors’ defense but proving to be just as dangerous as the bigger names.
As former NBA stars Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green pointed out, Houston’s aggressiveness in the 50-50 ball battles has been a key differentiator. The Rockets are faster to the punch, quicker off the ground, and more physical, and it’s clearly wearing down the Warriors.
Can Curry Pull Off Another Miracle?
All is not lost for Golden State. If there’s one thing this series has shown, it’s that Stephen Curry is still one of the most dangerous players in the world. His ability to take over a game in the blink of an eye is legendary. But with the Warriors’ backs against the wall, Curry will need help—and lots of it.
“I think the key is to just stay positive,” Curry said ahead of Game 7. “In February, if you told us we would have a Game 7, we’d take that all day long. How we got here, not happy about it. But we do have another opportunity.” For Curry and the Warriors, Sunday’s Game 7 is an opportunity to prove their mettle once again, but it’s clear that the Rockets are a formidable force standing in their way.
What’s Next for Golden State and Houston?
As the Warriors head into Game 7, they have one goal: survive. The Rockets, on the other hand, are riding high on a wave of momentum. If they can carry their recent success into the final game of the series, they’ll likely punch their ticket to the next round and complete the biggest upset of the postseason.
For Golden State, this series is more than just about advancing; it’s about redemption. The Warriors’ legacy is on the line, and they will need to dig deep if they are to avoid the dreaded 3-1 collapse for the second time in their storied history.
As the two teams gear up for what promises to be an electric Game 7, one thing is for certain: we’re in for a historic showdown.
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.