SAN FRANCISCO — Just as Stephen Curry lit up the Chase Center with a trademark scoring burst, Fred VanVleet responded with a momentum-killing four-point play to begin the fourth quarter, flipping the game — and possibly the series — back in Houston’s favor.
VanVleet delivered a near triple-double with 29 points, eight assists, and eight rebounds, while Alperen Sengun added 21 points and 14 boards as the Houston Rockets beat the Golden State Warriors 115-107 on Friday night, evening their first-round playoff series at 3-3 and forcing a decisive Game 7.
The Warriors, who once led the series 3-1, went ice-cold in the fourth quarter, missing 13 straight shots during a crucial stretch. Draymond Green scored with just over 10 minutes remaining, but Golden State didn’t make another field goal until a Curry three-pointer with 3:35 left.
Now, both teams are headed back to Houston for a Sunday winner-take-all game. The prize? A spot in the Western Conference semifinals against a well-rested Minnesota Timberwolves squad.
“We understand the moment. They do too,” said Warriors forward Jimmy Butler, who had 27 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists.
Curry matched VanVleet with 29 points, but struggled from the field, shooting 9-of-23 overall and 6-of-16 from three.
The Rockets surged ahead for good after VanVleet’s four-point play broke up Golden State’s third-quarter rally. Jalen Green followed with a putback, and another VanVleet three put Houston up 101-89 with under seven minutes to play.
“We can’t give up a four-point play in a two-point game,” Draymond Green said in frustration.
VanVleet has been nearly automatic from the line, going 9-for-9 on free throws in Game 6 and a perfect 22-for-22 in the series. From deep, he’s been lights out — hitting 18 of his last 27 three-point attempts across the past three games.
To counter VanVleet’s hot hand, Warriors coach Steve Kerr inserted Gary Payton II into the starting lineup in place of Brandin Podziemski.
Still, the Rockets’ balance was too much. Veteran Steven Adams gave Houston a lift off the bench with 17 points and several key hustle plays, helping hold off every Warriors push.
Despite some early physicality — including a flagrant foul on Draymond Green for shoving Jalen Green — both teams stayed composed after tempers had flared in earlier games.
“We talked about it before the series: play through everything,” said Rockets coach Ime Udoka, who is now 5-1 in elimination games. “We want to be physical. That usually plays in our favor.”
Game 7 tips off Sunday in Houston — and with momentum on their side, the Rockets look ready for the moment.