Rockets Meet Warriors in High-Stakes Playoff Clash

HOUSTON, TX — The Houston Rockets are back in the playoffs for the first time since 2020, facing their familiar rival, the Golden State Warriors, in Game 1 of the Western Conference first round on Sunday evening. The No. 2 seed Rockets, who finished the regular season with a record of 52-30, will take on the seventh-seeded Warriors, who secured their playoff spot after a win in the Play-In Tournament.

This matchup marks a significant chapter in the history of both teams. The Rockets have faced the Warriors four times in the playoffs between 2015 and 2019, losing all encounters, including in the Western Conference finals in 2015 and 2018. However, the current Rockets roster boasts no players who participated in those previous series, leading to an air of optimism. “This ain’t that team,” a Rockets player stated confidently.

Since those earlier playoff losses, the Rockets underwent a major transformation following the trade of star player James Harden, which initiated a rebuilding phase that left them at the bottom of the league for several seasons. With coach Ime Udoka at the helm, the team bounced back, finishing this season with a strong record. “We’re not just happy to be here,” Udoka commented. “We want to make some noise as well.”

The Rockets feature a mix of experienced veterans like Fred VanVleet and an exciting cohort of youthful talent, including high draft picks. In contrast, Warriors star Stephen Curry acknowledged the Rockets’ potent form throughout the season. “They are the No. 2 seed for a reason,” he said. “They have played well all year long and are super athletic.”

The Warriors, who achieved their playoff berth through a tight 121-116 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Play-In Tournament, are considered underdogs despite their lower seed. Betters see them as favorites this series, drawing on their championship experience, including titles won in 2015, 2018, and 2022.

One expected storyline is the fierce competition between Dillon Brooks of the Rockets and Draymond Green of the Warriors. Both players are known for their aggressive playstyle and have amassed significant technical fouls this season—Brooks with 16 and Green with 13. “I don’t know,” Brooks said when asked about expected ejections in the series. “I’m not going to get ejected. I’ll leave that to somebody else.”

Jimmy Butler, a key acquisition for the Warriors this season, will also be pivotal against the Rockets. His ability to draw fouls was evident in April, where he made 63 of 68 free throws in eight games, despite a recent off night at the line. Coach Steve Kerr highlighted Butler’s quickness and court savvy, noting, “He’s clearly one of the best iso players in the NBA.”

Both teams face challenges in their playoff push. The Warriors must improve on their rebounding, having allowed offensive boards that have led to extended possessions for opponents. Meanwhile, the Rockets led the league in offensive rebounds this season, averaging 14.6 per game.

As the series progresses, the importance of players like Jonathan Kuminga, who has seen reduced playing time due to injury though expected to contribute, will be closely watched. Green expressed confidence in Kuminga’s role moving forward. “He’ll contribute. He’s getting his work in,” Green said. “And he’ll be meaningful for us in this series.”

The playoff series kicks off Sunday, April 20, at 6:30 p.m. PDT in Houston’s Toyota Center, with both teams eager to establish an early advantage.