Rockets Roll Warriors, Force a Game Seven Behind Tough, Physical Play

The NBA playoffs are a true test of will. So much so, that even the best franchises with a clear advantage can let victory slip through their fingers.

It happens to everyone at some point, and right now it’s happening to the Golden State Warriors.

The team, who had a chance to end their series in front of their home crowd on Friday night, came up short against a strong, and surprisingly resilient, Rockets team.

(Photo by Fatih Aktas/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Houston played fast, athletic basketball, hit their shots, and tied the series 3-3.

The loss marks two times the Warriors blew a chance to close things out. They now have their backs against the wall with all of the momentum going to Houston.

It’s a tough situation, but one that’s more than winnable if they can keep their resolve.

Falling Apart in the Fourth

Game six was a game that, similar to game five, never truly felt in the Warriors’ control. They had their moments and some big plays, but most of the night belonged to Houston.

While the score didn’t show it, the Rockets kept a meager lead for most of the game and then slowly extended it down the stretch.

While it seemed that the Warriors, spurred by Stephen Curry’s shooting, had a chance to get back into the mix a few times, everything fell apart in the fourth quarter.

The Rockets came out hot, while the Warriors went ice cold

Golden State missed their first ten three point attempts, threw away several easy turnovers, and looked completely out of sync. They lacked any real urgency, and before they knew it the game was out of reach.

“I thought the key play was the four-point play to start the [fourth] quarter,” said Warriors head coach Steve Kerr.

“That’s on us as a staff. We’ve got to make sure [our guys are] matched up…Felt like a game changing play.”

It was a huge blow to Golden State, who are now headed to a win-or-go-home situation. They’re now on the back foot and, rather than taking the series on their home court, they need to do it in hostile territory.

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Lacking True Size

There are several reasons the Rockets have managed to battle back in the series, but none are bigger than their inside presence. The Warriors are a team that depends on quick drives, star play, and outside shooting.

What they don’t depend on is big men

Golden State lacks a true enforcer. The Rockets know that, and are taking advantage with the strong duo of Alperen Sengun and Steven Adams.

The pair is doing a great job of grabbing rebounds, playing physical basketball, and keeping the Warriors away from the rim.

Even when they don’t show up on the stat sheet, the duo’s sheer presence is a big reason the Warriors offense has stalled for two straight games.

It’s also why Golden State could go home

The Rockets defense has made the Warriors one-dimensional. They aren’t getting a lot of help from their bench, which means they need to rely on Curry or Butler to go nuclear if they want to win.

That makes it easier for Houston to overload on the stars and force them into bad or tough shots.

One Last Shot

Both teams head into game seven with plenty to prove. Curry and Butler are desperate for a ring, but the Rockets are younger, faster, and bigger. It’s a clashing of two worlds.

One that’s young and hungry and one that’s much more seasoned.

A team has gone down 3-1 in the playoffs 290 times. Only 13 times they came back to win.

The Rockets seek to move that number to 14, but finishing what has been an impressive two games is not going to be an easy task.

Despite the 3-1 Finals loss to the Cavaliers, Steve Kerr knows how to get his team ready for big games

He only has one loss when coaching a game seven, and he’s currently going into the fire with two of the most clutch players in the NBA.

Curry averages 32.6 points, seven assists, and 6.5 rebounds in game sevens, while Butler averages 22 points and four rebounds in such contests.

Both players have also had major recent game sevens, with Curry dropping 50 against Sacrmaento and Butler putting Miami on his back against the Celtics.

The Rockets might have the momentum, but it’s undeniable they are going to have their hands full trying to stop two of the best players in their element.

That’s why Curry, despite all the adversity, isn’t worried

“In February, if you told us we would have a Game 7, we’d take that all day long,” said the guard. “How we got here, not happy about it. But we do have another opportunity.”