The Houston Rockets lit up Chase Center with a dominant fourth-quarter display to defeat the Golden State Warriors 115-107 on Friday night, dragging their Western Conference playoff series into a decisive Game Seven.
Down 3-1 just days ago, the Rockets are now one win away from joining the elite list of teams to overturn such a deficit in NBA playoff history.
Powered by Fred VanVleet’s 29 points and Alperen Sengun’s double-double of 21 points and 14 rebounds, Houston overwhelmed the Warriors in the final frame with a crushing 12-0 run that silenced the 18,000-strong San Francisco crowd.
Steven Adams provided crucial impact off the bench, scoring 17 points on perfect shooting while anchoring Houston’s defense with three blocks. Amen Thompson chipped in 14, as the Rockets’ athleticism and depth wore down a Warriors side that looked flat late on.
Stephen Curry led Golden State with 29 points but struggled from the floor, hitting just nine of 23 attempts and committing five turnovers. Jimmy Butler added 27, but no other Warrior reached double figures.
Houston seized control early, leading after every quarter and answering every Golden State push with poise. VanVleet’s four-point play at the start of the fourth typified a night when the Rockets simply refused to buckle.
Game Seven awaits in Houston on Sunday. The winner will advance to face the Minnesota Timberwolves, who eliminated the Lakers in five games.
