Golden State will travel to Houston tonight looking to become only the seventh team ever in NBA history to overcome a 3-1 series deficit and advance. Fred VanVleet, Klay Thompson, Green and Jalen Sengun will start for Golden State tonight.
The Rockets young core has caused quite a bit of trouble for the Warriors due to their speed and athleticism. Will they be able to keep pace tonight against these young Warriors?
Draymond Green
The Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets have met before in thrilling playoff battles. This 2025 series proved no different, with an exhilarating first-round matchup going down to Game 7. Both teams feature complementary styles – the Warriors lean on three-point shooting led by Stephen Curry and Buddy Hield as well as defensive versatility provided by Green and Butler; Houston relies more heavily on youth infused by veteran leadership; with Fred VanVleet scoring prolifically while Amen Thompson and Alperen Sengun adding toughness in the paint.
Young and athletic, the Rockets had trouble keeping pace with Steph Curry and a revitalized Warriors team in Game 2. Green quickly set the tone with early points, while his defensive intensity allowed Golden State to maintain control throughout. Green finished up with 16 points, eight rebounds and seven assists for Golden State on Friday night.
Stephen Curry
Curry led the Warriors’ strong start as they opened up an early lead against Houston. His ability to find openings and get into the paint were instrumental in limiting Houston’s offensive effectiveness; additionally he provided numerous assists and penetrated defenses to create shots for teammates.
On Sunday, Stephen Curry appeared to play with no effect from his thumb injury. He made difficult shots with ease and displayed his impressive range.
The Warriors and Rockets share an illustrious rivalry, full of high-octane basketball and unforgettable moments. Both teams have displayed their ability to dominate on both ends of the floor; however, it has been proven that experience and clutch performances by Warriors have proven decisive in this first-round series that has gone to Game 7.
Alperen Sengun
Houston Rockets won Game 2 of their 2025 Western Conference first round series against Sacramento Kings 2-1 to even up their series at 1-1, featuring Jalen Green’s 38-point performance, Alperen Sengun’s 19 points and 14 rebounds as highlights of an entertaining match-up between both young teams.
Sengun has played like an NBA veteran throughout this series. His performance against the Warriors last game was no exception: he shot well from both distance and near field positions and provided valuable defensive depth for Houston.
The Houston Rockets may join an elite club by making history by coming back from a 3-1 deficit to beat their playoff opponent and advance into round 2. AS English will provide all of the coverage, stats and analysis to keep fans up-to-date.
Fred VanVleet
Fred VanVleet of Houston Rockets has become an indispensable component of their offensive attack since signing a three-year deal in 2023, helping the team increase by 19 wins while returning them to playoff contention after an absence of four years.
VanVleet made his mark during his time with Toronto as an aggressive floor general capable of hitting tough shots and dishing out double-digit assists. But this year, his shooting has faltered while his efficiency has decreased dramatically.
VanVleet has proven himself effective as both a veteran leader and bench scorer during this postseason, particularly against Golden State. His playmaking and size create issues for their small frontcourt defense; additionally, his 97th percentile ranking on Synergy Sports shows his fit with Houston’s pick-and-roll game; though his high usage and middling efficiency may pose problems to Houston’s feeble halfcourt offense.
Amen Thompson
Game 2 was all about the Rockets from home and they delivered with a convincing 109-94 win led by Jalen Green’s 38 points and 19 from Alperen Sengun – both big contributors in this must-win matchup.
Fred VanVleet led Houston’s late surge with 55 points over Games 5-6; however, he faded a bit in Game 7. Meanwhile, Thompson and Sengun emerged as reliable scoring threats who made significant two-way contributions for Houston.
But for the Rockets to join an elite club of teams that have come back from 3-1 deficits in best-of-seven playoff series, depth, execution, and late game composure must still be prioritized. AS English will provide live coverage, stats, and analysis from tonight’s pivotal Game 7 from Toyota Center – we hope to see you there!
Jimmy Butler
Playoff basketball can be intense, and this matchup was no different. Tensions increased dramatically during the second half as physical play intensified and tempers flared; Jalen Green was called out for a flagrant foul against Draymond Green; both teams received technical fouls from Tari Eason and Fred VanVleet respectively.
The Warriors hope to even the series at home in Game 6, and need the assistance of Butler, who has been one of their key players this season – scoring 20 points, eight rebounds and seven assists in Game 2. He had an excellent outing last time out with 20 points, eight rebounds and seven assists.
The Rockets are still trying to gain entry to the playoffs, and must start winning games to do so. Jae’Sean Tate and Jock Landale won’t be available, but Ime Udoko has his team ready for Game 6. Fred VanVleet, Steph Curry, Alperin Sengun, and Dillon Brooks will start as starters for them.
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