Fred VanVleet wasn’t ready to call it a season just yet. A thundering performance by the Houston Rockets’ guard stole the playoff momentum right back from Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors, securing a 115-107 victory in Game 6 on Friday night.
VanVleet finished with 29 points, eight assists, and eight rebounds, leading a spirited Houston team that now heads back to Texas for a decisive Game 7. Alperen Sengun also made a significant impact with 21 points and 14 rebounds, keeping the Rockets' dreams alive.
The Warriors, seeking to clinch on home court at the Chase Center, went stone cold at a critical juncture, missing 13 consecutive shots during a seven-minute stretch in the fourth quarter. That dry spell left the door wide open for Houston.
“I think we just know how important it is, they do too,” noted Warriors forward Jimmy Butler, who added 27 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists.
Despite Curry's 29 points and his usual dazzling plays, the Warriors couldn’t keep pace when it counted. VanVleet’s fourth-quarter four-point play swung the momentum back in Houston's favor, following a Warriors rally narrowed to just two points.
From there, the Rockets managed to extend their lead decisively. Jalen Green contributed with a crucial putback, and VanVleet hit a crucial three-pointer that put Houston up 101-89 halfway through the final quarter.
“We can’t give up a four-point play in a two-point game,” lamented Draymond Green after the match.
Houston coach Ime Udoka, now 5-1 in elimination games, praised his team’s resilience and unwavering focus. “Play through everything, be physical, and the game favors us,” he emphasized.
As both teams look ahead to the final clash on Sunday in Houston, the anticipation is high. The winner will move on to challenge a well-rested Minnesota in the Western Conference semifinals.
The stage is set for a showdown, and VanVleet and Rockets are ready to battle for their playoff journey to continue.
