Houston Rockets Defeat Golden State Warriors 115-107

The Houston Rockets defeated the Golden State Warriors 115-107 in Game 6 at the Chase Center on Friday night. Houston and Golden State’s series is even at three apiece. Houston’s win allowed the away team to force a Game 7 at the Toyota Center. Read on for further details surrounding these two teams.

Golden State Warriors vs. Houston Rockets Recap

The Golden State Warriors’ injury report was empty. The Houston Rockets’ injury report consisted of two players: Jock Landale with a right knee contusion reported on April 19, and Jae’Sean Tate with a right ankle impingement reported on April 10.

The Warriors’ starting lineup featured Stephen Curry, Buddy Hield, Gary Payton II, Jimmy Butler III and Draymond Green. The Rockets’ starting lineup featured Fred VanVleet, Amen Thompson, Jalen Green (no relation to Draymond Green), Dillon Brooks and Alperen Sengun.

Both teams shined in the first quarter. Curry made a step-back jumper, while Sengun finished a rim shot. The Rockets led 25-21 after the first quarter. Both teams suffered a slow start in the second quarter but picked up the pace. The Warriors’ offense rose up. The Rockets took a 53-48 lead into the halftime break.

Both teams’ scoring surges started the third quarter on a positive note. San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy checked in, saying “Let’s get this dub” and “Go Dubs.” The Rockets settled for an 86-84 lead after three quarters. The Rockets opened the fourth quarter with a 6-0 run. The Rockets won 115-107 in regulation.

Warriors vs. Rockets Stat Lines

Curry led the Golden State Warriors with 29 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Butler III followed with 27 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. Moses Moody added 13 points, two rebounds and one assist. Brandin Podziemski had 10 points, seven rebounds and three assists.

VanVleet led the Houston Rockets with 29 points, eight rebounds and eight assists. Sengun followed with 21 points, 14 rebounds and six assists. Steven Adams added 17 points and five rebounds. Amen Thompson had 14 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Green scored 12 points, five rebounds and three assists.

Final Thoughts

The Golden State Warriors had a chance to close out the series on the road but suffered a 131-116 blowout by the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night. Golden State led the series 3-2. Moody led the Warriors with 25 points, nine rebounds and two assists, while VanVleet led the Rockets with 26 points, one rebound, and two  assists.

The Warriors and Rockets’ Game 7 will be played at the Toyota Center on Sunday. The start time for the do-or-die game will be TBA. The Rockets can beat the Warriors by bothering Curry, frustrating the Warriors’ offense, keeping cool in terms of emotions, and hoping for big games from Green and VanVleet.