Rockets Say They’ve Only Lost to Themselves — Now They Get One Last Shot

“We beat ourselves,” the Houston center bluntly told reporters ahead of Sunday night’s decisive Game 7. “Missing free throws and easy shots. When we’re locked in, we’re locked in. We have all the talent in the world. There’s no reason for us to lose this game.”

Confidence? Not lacking. And why would it be? Houston, a team with an average age of 26, has clawed back from the brink twice now, forcing a Game 7 back at Toyota Center with Friday’s 115–107 win at Chase Center.

Veteran guard Fred VanVleet, who led the way in that one with 29 points and eight assists, made sure his message afterward was clear.

“Stay focused. One more. We ain’t did s— yet. One more,” VanVleet told Andscape.

It’s that steady tone that’s carried this young Rockets squad to the cusp of the Western Conference second round. And Sengun, now playing like a full-fledged star, isn’t afraid to say VanVleet’s presence has been the glue.

“He’s leading us on the court, off the court and we’ve been letting him do that,” Sengun said. “Even when he wasn’t playing this season, he was still leading us. He said, ‘I hate talking when I’m not playing,’ but we needed that. And he came back, leading us all the time.”

Dillon Brooks, never shy when it comes to a spotlight, is expecting a full-blown Houston eruption.

“Everything is going to be ramped up,” Brooks said. “It’s gonna be electrifying. We’ve been backs-against-the-wall for two games already. So, I feel like we’re confident and ready to go.”

The Warriors? Their veterans have been through the fire before. Steve Kerr and Draymond Green were spotted in a lengthy courtside discussion at Sunday’s shootaround. Green nodded frequently, Kerr spoke calmly. Steph Curry, meanwhile, went through his shooting routine without fanfare.

Off to the side? Jimmy Butler. Yes, that Jimmy Butler. Chatting with an assistant coach, soaking in the moment. Probably plotting.

Tipoff is 8:30 p.m. ET. Stakes? Simple. Winner moves on. Loser starts summer.

And if you ask the Rockets, they’re not ready for vacation.