Losing was just not an option for the Houston Rockets on Friday night. They came to Chase Center with a clear mission in mind, and that was to avoid elimination by winning Game 6 against the Golden State Warriors on the road.
The Rockets did just that by securing an incredible 115-107 victory against the Warriors to force a do-or-die Game 7 clash on Sunday in Houston.
This victory was thanks in large part to Fred VanVleet, who went off yet again to help lead the Rockets to victory. The former All-Star point guard dropped a team-high 29 points on 7-of-13 shooting, to go along with eight rebounds, eight assists and six triples in 40 minutes of action.
VanVleet scored another win against Warriors superstar Steph Curry (29 points, seven rebounds, six triples), as the Rockets star extended his historic dominance over the two-time NBA MVP.
"Fun Fact: Fred VanVleet has the best record (7-5) by any guard in NBA history vs Steph Curry in the playoffs (min. 10 games)," StatMuse posted on X.
VanVleet has been on an absolute heater for the Rockets in the last three games, amassing a total of 80 points and 18 triples in Games 4 through 6. The Rockets star has scored more points and knocked down more treys than Curry during this stretch.
Fred VanVleet last three games:
— StatMuse (@statmuse) May 3, 2025
29 PTS | 6 3P
26 PTS | 4 3P
25 PTS | 8 3P
More points and threes than Steph. pic.twitter.com/uujBjbKKuN
Even VanVleet himself knows, however, that all this will be thrown out the window come Sunday. The Rockets and the Warriors are deadlocked entering Game 7, with the winner of that single contest moving on to the next round.
Whoever loses that game will see their season come to a heartbreaking end.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!