Houston’s basketball scene is electric as Fred VanVleet has been the driving force behind the Rockets’ impressive comeback in the playoffs, turning a daunting 3-1 deficit into an exhilarating tie against the Golden State Warriors. The young and vibrant Rockets squad is set for a decisive Game 7 at home, looking to finally eliminate their longtime playoff adversaries, the Warriors, and advance to the Western Conference semifinals against Minnesota.
VanVleet’s transformation from the regular season to the playoffs has been nothing short of remarkable. Previously struggling from beyond the arc with a poor performance in the series’ first three matches, he has since become a sharpshooter, hitting 18 out of 27 three-point attempts in the past few games. The seasoned point guard delivered a standout performance in Game 6, contributing 29 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists to secure a 115-107 win for the Rockets. For VanVleet, who played a pivotal role in the Toronto Raptors’ 2019 victory over the Warriors for the championship, the challenge is not new.
“It’s a team effort. It’s not just about me,” VanVleet stated, stressing the significance of collective effort. “We’re capable of pulling this off. The key is maintaining a high-level performance collectively. We’ve managed that in the last couple of games. We just need to maintain focus and do it once more.”
While the Rockets experience the thrill of a playoff Game 7 for the first time since 2020, the Warriors are seasoned veterans in such high-stakes scenarios. Several Warriors players, including Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, have participated in multiple Game 7s. Curry, in particular, averages 32.6 points in these decisive games, his impressive performances marked by a memorable 50-point effort just last year.
Curry acknowledges the shift in intensity during elimination games, highlighting the emotional and strategic battle on the court. “It’s beyond just scoring—it’s about the atmosphere, the energy, and the momentum,” he said. “Such games demand deep resilience, and luckily, we have another chance. We’re confident in our ability to succeed.”
The Warriors face their fifth Game 7 since 2015, with a track record of success, having won three out of four previous contests. Historically, they have dominated playoff encounters with the Rockets, securing all four past series. One notable victory came in a Game 7 back in 2018 in Houston when Curry delivered a near triple-double to propel the Warriors to the NBA Finals again.
Fans still remember that defeat bitterly, especially the Rockets’ staggering 27 consecutive missed 3-point shots. However, the current roster is untouched by those memories, eager to make their own history.
This Sunday, viewers can catch the pivotal Game 7 battle between the Warriors and the Rockets at 6:30 p.m. ET on TNT. With the series levelled at 3-3, the Rockets have the opportunity to become just the 14th team in NBA history to rally back from a 3-1 disadvantage in a seven-game series. Houston accomplished this remarkable feat twice before, the latest being in 2015 against the Clippers. The Warriors themselves were on the receiving end of such a comeback, famously conceding the 2016 NBA Finals to the Cavaliers after leading 3-1.
Adding to the Rockets’ depth is the strategic use of Steven Adams alongside Alperen Sengun in the lineup. Adams, who had seen limited action during the regular season, made a significant impact in Game 6 with a season-high 17 points. Notably, he has dominated the offensive boards and contributed defensively with eight blocks in the series. Despite the Warriors’ attempts to exploit his free-throw struggles, he delivered when needed, converting 9 of 16 from the line.
On the Warriors’ side, Draymond Green identified a clear area for improvement: securing loose balls, acknowledging that the Rockets simply appeared to desire them more in Game 6. Steve Kerr, the Warriors’ head coach, emphasized that maintaining ball security is crucial. His team has averaged 15 turnovers in their three losses, needing more composure and patience with the ball to succeed in the upcoming game.
As both teams prepare for this high-stakes matchup, fans await an electrifying climax to the first-round series between two determined franchises.