Behind a dominating performance, the Houston Rockets defeated the Golden State Warriors 131-116 to stay alive in the Western Conference semifinals. This victory now sets up a Game 6 in their first round series! The Rockets trailed 3-2 in the best-of-seven series. Up next, they find themselves on an inevitable collision course to San Francisco for what’s likely a deciding game on Friday night. To extend the series to a decisive Game 7, Houston must capitalize on key players’ performances and address their struggles in previous games.
Klay Thompson of the Warriors showcased an exceptional offensive performance in Game 5, scoring 22 points on just 10 shot attempts in 29 minutes. Thompson delivered a remarkable performance. The Rockets admitted their grit when they posted 18 points off turnovers, illustrating their ability to turn opposing team errors into scoring opportunities. Looking ahead to each team’s biggest key that could lead them to wrap up this series in Game 6.
The Importance of Jalen Green
For the Rockets, Jalen Green’s performance will be key if they hope to force the series back for a seventh game. Averaging 21 points per game during the regular season, Green’s scoring has significantly dipped in Houston’s three losses, where he managed only 8.0 points per game. His three-point and field-goal percentages tell the story of a player who just cannot buy a basket. While they have lost, in those games he has shot just 29% from the field and an abysmal 14% on three-pointers.
Green’s standout performance in Game 2, where he scored 38 points and dominated the paint with a scoring margin of 46-28, demonstrates his potential to be a game-changer. For Houston to have any hope of knocking off the Warriors, they’ll need Green to match that kind of excellence. The Rockets certainly can’t have another disappointing performance from their young star if they want to have any chance to push the series longer.
The Warriors’ game plan has to start with neutralizing Green’s impact. If Golden State is able to slow him, they will remove a huge portion of Houston’s offensive arsenal. That will make it just a little easier and more tempting for them to close out the series.
The Role of Fred VanVleet
The other key X-factor for Houston is Fred VanVleet, who has recaptured his mojo from downtown as of late. In the last two games, VanVleet has been superb, knocking down 12 of his 18 three-point tries. His improved and especially his high-volume three-point shooting makes Houston’s offense hum. It further offsets Green at times sporadic scoring prowess.
The Rockets will be hugely helped if VanVleet plays up to this standard vs Golden State. His shooting ability and the necessary floor spacing that he provides is crucial to Houston’s offensive scheme with hot, stepback-heavy, high-volume scoring. The team needs him to continue shooting effectively from three-point range if they want to challenge the Warriors’ defensive schemes.
On top of all that, Houston will do themselves a huge favor by winning on the offensive glass and getting some prized second-chance points. In their Game 2 victory, the Rockets had a field day, scoring 14 points off 15 Golden State turnovers. This trend of taking advantage of their opponents’ mishaps may be the deciding factor in Game 6.
The Challenge Ahead
With the series returning to San Francisco for Game 6, both teams know what they have to lose. The Warriors have a 3-2 series lead. If they can keep their heads in the game defensively and contain Houston’s scoring opportunities, they’ll be able to put the Rockets in the rearview mirror. That means shutting down high usage guys such as Jalen Green, and it means just continuing to take advantage of opponents on the offensive boards.
For Houston, this contest has the potential to be a fantastic game of redemption. They must build from their victories and turn those historic wins into the next success. With VanVleet’s offensive firepower and Green’s possible revival, they are in a great place to succeed. A repeat of their Game 5 performance will be absolutely vital if they want any hope of forcing a Game 7.
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