Rockets Fend Off Warriors Rally to Force Game 6: Houston Delivers Gut Check Performance in 131-116 Game 5 Victory
Houston, TX. (WE) — The Houston Rockets weren’t ready to pack for summer. Not yet. Facing elimination at home in a first-round series many expected them to lose quickly, the young and fiery Rockets built a 31-point lead, forced Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr to pull the plug early, and then withstood a late rally from the defending Western Conference champions to secure a 131–116 victory in Game 5 on Wednesday night.
The win keeps the Rockets alive in the best-of-seven series, now trailing 3-2 as they prepare for a critical Game 6 at Chase Center in San Francisco, set for Friday. For Houston, this wasn’t about style points or narrative. This was about survival—and they delivered.
Houston’s Electric Start
The energy at Toyota Center was palpable from the opening tip. Led by playoff-tested guard Fred VanVleet and rising star Alperen Şengün, Houston raced out to a 20–8 lead midway through the first quarter, capped by a 15–0 run that left the Warriors stunned.
By the time the first quarter ended, the Rockets had built a 40–24 advantage. The onslaught continued in the second quarter, ballooning to a 76–49 halftime lead as Warriors veterans looked increasingly disengaged.
The Rockets—arguably one of the most inexperienced playoff teams in this year’s postseason—looked anything but green. Their ball movement was sharp. The energy they brought? Absolutely contagious. And when it came to defense, they were relentless.
VanVleet, a 2019 NBA Champion with the Toronto Raptors, led the charge.
Fred VanVleet: The Steadying Veteran Presence
In a game filled with energy and emotion, it was VanVleet who brought balance and poise. The 30-year-old point guard finished with 26 points on 8-of-13 shooting, including 4-of-6 from deep, to go along with seven assists and a +23 plus-minus.
This was the second consecutive game VanVleet turned in a stellar performance. Despite a loss in Game 4, VanVleet dropped 25 points and hit 8-of-12 three-pointers, nearly willing Houston to a comeback win.
“It’s what we brought him here for,” said head coach Ime Udoka postgame. “Fred brings experience, control, and toughness. When you’ve got a young group, you need someone who’s been there before.”
Signed in 2023 to a three-year deal worth over $130 million, VanVleet was expected to be the floor general for a rebuilding Rockets team. On Wednesday, he looked every bit like the veteran playoff star he once was in Toronto.
Alperen Şengün and Amen Thompson Lead Youth Charge
While VanVleet held the reins, the heart of the Rockets’ effort came from the energetic core that’s quickly growing up before fans’ eyes.
Turkish big man Alperen Şengün came close to a triple-double, posting 15 points, nine rebounds, nine assists, and two steals in 30 minutes of high-IQ basketball. He was everywhere—facilitating from the high post, cleaning up the boards, and switching onto perimeter defenders when needed.
Meanwhile, Amen Thompson, the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, had his postseason breakout. The rookie exploded for 25 points on 10-of-16 shooting, adding six rebounds, three assists, and five steals. His lightning-quick drives and disruptive defense gave the Warriors problems all night.
“He doesn’t play like a rookie,” said VanVleet of Thompson. “He’s fearless.”
Read More:
- Jordan Travis Announces Retirement Before NFL Debut Due to 2023 Injury at Florida State
- Nuggets vs. Clippers: Denver Seizes 3-2 Lead in First-Round Playoff Thriller
- Defending Champion Celtics Close Out Magic 120-89 for 4-1 Playoff Series Win
Kerr Waves the White Flag Early
The turning point may have come not in Houston’s electric start, but in Steve Kerr’s surprising decision midway through the third quarter.
With the Rockets up 93–64 and 5:50 remaining in the third, Kerr pulled his entire starting lineup: Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green, Buddy Hield, and rising rookie Brandin Podziemski.
The move was strategic. With an aging roster and Game 6 on the horizon, Kerr opted to preserve his veterans for what could be a series-clinching matchup in San Francisco.
“It was just about energy management,” Kerr said. “We knew we didn’t have it tonight. Rather than chasing ghosts, we’ll live to fight another day.”
Warriors’ Bench Nearly Pulls Off the Unthinkable
While Kerr may have waved the white flag early, his bench nearly brought the banner back down.
Golden State’s second unit, led by Moses Moody, Gary Payton II, and Trayce Jackson-Davis, mounted a furious 21–7 fourth-quarter run. Houston’s lead, once 31, was suddenly down to 114–101 with 5:02 remaining.
Udoka, sensing the momentum shift, re-inserted his starters to stabilize the team. The gamble paid off—barely.
A mini-scuffle between Pat Spencer and Rockets forward Dillon Brooks resulted in double technicals and Spencer’s ejection. VanVleet and Brooks then sank three free throws combined, stretching the lead back to 117–101 and quashing the Warriors’ momentum for good.
Jalen Green’s Curious Quiet Streak
One of the more puzzling trends this series has been the lack of offensive impact from Jalen Green, the Rockets’ leading scorer in the regular season.
On Wednesday, Green managed just 11 points on eight field goal attempts—by far the fewest of any Houston starter. He also added eight rebounds and two assists, but the scoring void remains notable.
This was the fourth time in five games Green failed to score more than 11 points. The lone exception? A 38-point explosion in Houston’s Game 2 win, which now stands out even more starkly.
Without Green’s offensive burst, the Rockets have leaned heavily on VanVleet, Şengün, and Thompson. For Houston to continue its playoff run, Green may need to rediscover his scoring touch.
Playoff Implications and What’s Next
With the series now at 3–2, all eyes shift to Friday night’s Game 6 in San Francisco. The Chase Center will be loud, and the Warriors will be rested. But the Rockets, despite their youth, have momentum—and confidence.
Houston’s win on Wednesday wasn’t just about staying alive. It was a statement that the rebuild is ahead of schedule, and that their young core can rise to the playoff occasion.
“We’re not just here to get experience,” said Udoka. “We’re here to win.”
If the Rockets manage to force a Game 7 back in Houston, all bets are off.
Game 5 Box Score Highlights
| Rockets | PTS | REB | AST | STL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fred VanVleet | 26 | 4 | 7 | 1 |
| Amen Thompson | 25 | 6 | 3 | 5 |
| Alperen Şengün | 15 | 9 | 9 | 2 |
| Dillon Brooks | 14 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Jabari Smith Jr. | 13 | 7 | 1 | 0 |
| Jalen Green | 11 | 8 | 2 | 1 |
| Warriors | PTS | REB | AST | STL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stephen Curry | 12 | 2 | 4 | 0 |
| Jimmy Butler | 10 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| Moses Moody | 16 | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| Gary Payton II | 14 | 5 | 2 | 3 |
| Trayce Jackson-Davis | 13 | 7 | 2 | 0 |
Final Thoughts
Game 5 was a microcosm of the NBA playoffs—momentum swings, emotional outbursts, coaching chess, and star performances.
For the Houston Rockets, it was proof of concept: their youth and grit can match up against pedigree and experience. For the Golden State Warriors, it was a missed opportunity to end the series early, but also a reminder that experience gives them breathing room.
As the series heads back to the Bay Area, the pressure flips. If the Warriors can’t close at home, Game 7 in Houston will be a nightmare scenario.
Game 6 tips off at 10:30 p.m. ET on Friday night on TNT, with everything on the line.
