Steven Adams has become an unexpected playoff hero for the Houston Rockets, wreaking havoc on the Golden State Warriors’ small-ball scheme and helping force a decisive Game 7 in their first-round playoff clash.
In Houston’s gritty 115-107 Game 6 win, Adams came off the bench and made a massive impact, finishing with 17 points, multiple key rebounds, and three blocked shots—and logging a game-high +15 in plus-minus. For a player who missed the entire 2023-24 season due to a knee injury, Adams is showing no signs of rust—only muscle.
After the win, Rockets guard Fred VanVleet, who has been electric in the past three games, offered Adams some hilarious and glowing praise.
“He’s the ultimate man. He’s just an enforcer down there. He’s like a big caveman in this era of small basketball. An old big just roughing everybody up,” VanVleet told ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt. “He’s impacted us on another level, a historical level honestly. Made his free throws tonight. We’re gonna play him until he dies out there.”
While VanVleet’s comment drew laughs, it reflects just how important Adams has become to Houston’s playoff push. He’s bullying his way through the paint on both ends—something the Warriors simply haven’t been able to counter.
Despite not being known as a high scorer, Adams posted his best playoff scoring night in nearly five years, and his physicality disrupted the Warriors’ rhythm. More importantly, his presence has helped the Rockets dominate the interior, particularly against a lineup that lacks a true post defender.
Houston is +53 with Adams on the floor in this series—including a +46 over the last three games. That’s more than just hustle stats; that’s the kind of impact that wins playoff series.
Defensively, Adams benefits from a strong support system that allows him to sag off non-shooters like Draymond Green, staying closer to the rim where he’s most effective. It’s a smart, disciplined approach—and Adams is executing it perfectly.
When asked about his role, Adams gave a typically modest and deadpan reply.
“What difference do I make? I’m not sure,” he said. “I just follow the game plan, bro. Defensive game plan, we communicate.”
With Game 7 looming, the Rockets will count on Adams’ physical presence once again. And if VanVleet has his way, Houston’s “caveman” won’t be coming off the floor anytime soon.