Rockets Ready to Conquer Warriors After Years of Playoff Pain

SAN FRANCISCO – The Houston Rockets are gearing up to face the Golden State Warriors in the NBA playoffs. The Rockets hope to overcome their history of playoff disappointments against the Warriors, recent rivals, and former champions. With the first round of playoff action underway, the two teams meet after a closely contested regular season, marked by a series of intense battles.

Following a practice at Memorial Hermann Training Center in Houston, Rockets coach Ime Udoka implemented a high-energy environment, signaling his team’s readiness for Game 1. The Rockets showcased their evolution from a 22-win team last season to a powerhouse with the second-best record in the Western Conference. This dramatic improvement has fostered a culture of cohesion, with players adopting the mantra: “sometimes you, sometimes me, always us.” The ethos underscores their unified approach on offense and defense.

Players such as Jalen Green and Alperen Şengün have become cornerstones for the squad. “I feel like we’re going to make a deep run,” Green stated confidently. “Our expectation is to get to the Finals.” Meanwhile, fellow player Dillon Brooks stressed Udoka’s role as a players’ coach. “He loves to be in the mix and holds guys accountable,” Brooks noted, reinforcing the bond within the team.

As the Rockets prepare for their first playoff clash against the Warriors, they carry the weight of previous traumas from playoff encounters with this formidable franchise. “Stepping stone,” Brooks called the Warriors, emphasizing their historical dominance. The rivalry is steeped in history, with the Rockets facing multiple playoff exits to the Warriors in past seasons.

Fast forward to Sunday night’s Game 1. The Rockets began strong, jumping out to a 13-5 lead with highlight plays, including a powerful dunk from Şengün. Yet, as the game progressed, the Warriors adjusted, taking advantage of a shaky second quarter for Houston. The experience of the Warriors shone through, with Steph Curry leading the charge, ultimately finishing the game with 31 points to secure a 106-96 victory.

Post-game, Jabari Smith Jr. reflected on the loss, stating, “Possessions are really important. We feel like we guarded more tonight, but we should work harder on offense.” The defeat has galvanized the Rockets as they prepare for Game 2. Udoka reassured his players, emphasizing confidence and correctable mistakes from the previous game.

“We didn’t play a great game, and we had our chances,” Udoka said. “Came out OK and then had a flat second quarter offensively.” Shifting focus to the upcoming matchup, Rockets players like Tari Eason expressed their belief in overcoming the mental block of their past. “People act like now, in this month of April, we’re going to regress,” Eason remarked, confident in continued progress.

As the series unfolds, the Rockets are primed to challenge the Warriors, understanding the importance of a strong start and capitalizing on their offensive rebounds, which have been a hallmark of their play. “We want to win championships,” Brooks declared. The Rockets are determined to control their narrative, hoping to rewrite their story against the Warriors and bring new glory to Houston basketball.

Following Game 1, the stage is set for the Rockets to display resilience and a refusal to be defined by their past against what has historically been a giant in the playoffs.