Fred VanVleet went nuts, scoring a blistering 29 points on 11 of 14 shooting. He dished out eight assists, propelling the Houston Rockets to a 115-107 win over the Golden State Warriors in Game 6 of their playoff matchup. This victory sets up for an epic Game 7. The second seeded Richmond Rockets will take on the seventh seeded San Jose Warriors for the opportunity to move on to the second round against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
As the Rockets prepared for this high-stakes showdown, VanVleet spoke about needing a “shut-up-and-get-after-it attitude.” He addressed his teammates with a clear message: “Stay focused. One more. We ain’t did s— yet. One more.” His dedication to high level leadership is evident throughout the series. He has really challenged the presumptive nominee to up his game big time in the second half of the contest.
Houston’s crafty shot-maker had a difficult series from the outset. He scored an average of just 11.3 points per game over the first three games. That’s when VanVleet’s breakout really began. He became the first player to score 25 points or more in three consecutive playoff games since Kevin McHale almost three decades ago. His ability to improve his play has been crucial for a team that has needed stability and guidance at critical moments.
VanVleet’s leadership isn’t just due to his scoring prowess, it comes from experiences that he has had throughout his basketball life. He attributes the intangibles that every great leader has to his father, stepfather, and high school coach, Bryant Ott. His experience working with the Toronto Raptors made a lasting impression on him. Playing next to veteran Kyle Lowry taught him what it meant to be a leader on a team.
This was echoed by Alperen Sengun, another one of VanVleet’s teammates, who talked about VanVleet’s influence as a leader — on and off the court. “He’s leading us on the court, off the court and we’ve been letting him do that,” Sengun stated. This recognition speaks to the confidence and deference that VanVleet has earned in the locker room.
Whatever it takes to win the Rockets’ path to this point has been defined by an unyielding bond and toughness. Like you, they’re looking forward to Game 7. The true acid test of their accomplishments will come when they meet a talented Warriors team. The stakes are getting higher! The winner of this Eastern conference matchup will advance to face the top seeded Timberwolves in the second round.
What might be most appealing about VanVleet’s ascension to iconic leadership, though, is how well it aligns with fans’ and analysts’ beliefs. Playing a critical role in their run to win the Toronto Raptors their first-ever NBA Championship in 2019. What really impressed me was the way he thrived under pressure. His experience as a true champion equips him to bring understanding and calmness to the Rockets as they walk into this do-or-die scenario.
Despite injuries in recent years that have limited his explosive ability, some even suggesting they’ve made dunking impossible for him, VanVleet is still an incredibly important piece for Houston. His teammates trust him to step up when the stakes are highest, especially when they need their team’s heartbeat to steady the ship. To illustrate his future impact, look no further than Vanderbilt’s all-time wins leader 2.
As we look forward to Game 7, VanVleet’s finesse and supreme grasp of high-stakes basketball will all be crucial. The Rockets know they have to enjoy their newfound prosperity but need to eschew the establishment. Under VanVleet’s leadership, they set their sights on a golden chance to keep their playoff run alive.
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