Warriors vs Rockets NBA Playoffs Recap, May 2nd: Rockets Outlast Warriors in Game 6, Set Up Pivotal Game 7 in Houston

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Warriors vs Rockets Full Match Highlights and Recap, May 2nd: The Houston Rockets extended their postseason hopes with a gritty 115–107 victory over the Golden State Warriors in Game 6 at the Chase Center. After trailing 3–1 in the series, the Rockets have fought back with back-to-back wins, and now the pressure shifts to a decisive Game 7 on their home floor.

Fred VanVleet was the architect of Houston’s comeback once again, delivering a poised and commanding performance in one of the biggest games of the season. With the Warriors' offense faltering late, Houston capitalized with timely shooting, interior dominance, and lockdown stretches on defense.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

First Quarter: Rockets 25, Warriors 21

Houston struck early with balanced scoring and energy. VanVleet and Alperen Sengun both put up eight points in the quarter as the Rockets moved the ball effectively and won the turnover battle. Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler got on the board, but Golden State struggled to establish rhythm.

Second Quarter: Rockets 53, Warriors 48

The Rockets built an 11-point cushion in the second quarter, but the Warriors responded with an 11-0 surge to tie things up. Curry reached 16 points by halftime but also picked up his third foul, a key turning point. Houston responded with an 8-2 spurt to finish the half ahead by five. VanVleet remained steady with 10 points and excellent perimeter shooting.

Third Quarter: Rockets 86, Warriors 84

Golden State trimmed the lead with a 36-point third quarter. Butler heated up with aggressive drives, while Curry hit a pair of tough threes. But VanVleet answered with key shots of his own, and the Rockets maintained their slim edge heading into the final frame. Bench contributions from Amen Thompson and Steven Adams helped stabilize Houston during Golden State’s pushes.

Fourth Quarter: Rockets 115, Warriors 107

The Rockets seized control with a 14–1 run that drained the life out of the home crowd. The Warriors endured a brutal stretch where they missed 13 consecutive field goals. Adams scored inside, VanVleet closed from the line, and the Rockets sealed a composed road win. Golden State tried to claw back in the final minute, but the damage was already done.

Player Stats and Standouts

Houston Rockets:

• Fred VanVleet: 29 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists, 6-of-10 from three
• Alperen Sengun: 21 points, 14 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals
• Steven Adams: 17 points, 5 rebounds, 3 blocks, season-high 31 minutes
• Amen Thompson: 14 points, several timely buckets in the third and fourth
• Jalen Green: 9 points on 3-of-11 shooting, quiet performance

Golden State Warriors:

• Stephen Curry: 29 points, 9-of-23 shooting, 6-of-16 from three
• Jimmy Butler: 27 points, 9 rebounds, 8 assists, strong third quarter
• Supporting cast: Struggled to provide consistent scoring and shot just 30.6% from three as a team

Final Thoughts: Houston Holds, Golden State Wobbles

Golden State has now squandered two chances to close out the series, and for all their postseason experience, they enter Game 7 on unstable ground. Curry and Butler carried the load, but the lack of support and poor shooting stretches have haunted them at critical moments.

Meanwhile, the Rockets are rising behind the leadership of VanVleet and the all-around brilliance of Sengun. Adams’ veteran presence and unexpected offensive punch have made Houston far more formidable than anticipated. With momentum now fully on their side and Game 7 returning to the Toyota Center, the Rockets have the belief—and the blueprint—to finish the job.