Introduction to Houston Rockets vs Golden State Warriors Match Player Stats
The highly anticipated playoff matchup between the Houston Rockets and the Golden State Warriors on May 4, 2025, did not disappoint. Held at the Chase Center in San Francisco, this game was a pivotal moment in their Western Conference Semifinals series, drawing attention from basketball fans around the globe. Both teams came into the game with high stakes: the Rockets looking to assert themselves as a rising powerhouse, while the Warriors aimed to defend their legacy as perennial contenders.
From the opening tip-off, the intensity was palpable. The Warriors, led by the ever-reliable Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, were determined to protect home-court advantage. Meanwhile, the Rockets, powered by young stars like Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., and veteran leadership from Fred VanVleet, showed no fear against the seasoned champions.
This article dives deep into the player stats for both teams, providing detailed tables that break down individual performances. Additionally, we’ll explore the key moments of the match, analyze strategic decisions made by both coaching staffs, and offer insights into how each team’s performance impacted the final result.
Table of Contents
Game Overview and Key Moments
First Half Highlights
The first half set the tone for what would become an electrifying contest. The Warriors started strong, with Curry knocking down three early three-pointers to give Golden State an early lead. However, the Rockets responded with tenacity, using their athleticism and aggressive defense to close the gap. Jalen Green was particularly effective in transition, scoring on fast breaks and keeping the Rockets within striking distance.
By the end of the first quarter, the Warriors held a narrow 31-29 lead. The second quarter saw more back-and-forth action, with both teams trading baskets and defensive stops. James Harden, who had been traded mid-season but returned to face his former team, scored 8 points in the second quarter alone, energizing the Rockets’ offense.
At halftime, the score was tied 56-56, setting the stage for a thrilling second half.
Second Half Drama
The third quarter belonged to the Rockets. Head coach Ime Udoka’s adjustments paid off, as the Rockets began switching more aggressively on screens and limiting open looks for Curry and Klay Thompson. Defensively, they clamped down, forcing five turnovers in the period. On the offensive end, Alperen Şengün emerged as a key contributor, finishing with soft touch around the rim and drawing fouls consistently.
Houston outscored Golden State 32-25 in the third, taking a 7-point lead into the fourth quarter. But the Warriors are known for their resilience, especially in crunch time. With under six minutes left in the game, Golden State went on a 12-2 run, fueled by back-to-back threes from Curry and Andrew Wiggins.
With the game tied at 98-98 inside the final minute, Fred VanVleet drove to the basket and drew a foul, sinking both free throws to put the Rockets ahead. Curry had one last chance, but his potential game-winner clanked off the rim as the buzzer sounded.
Final Score: Houston Rockets 104 – Golden State Warriors 102
Player Stats: Houston Rockets
Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the Houston Rockets’ player performance in the May 4, 2025, game:
| Player | Minutes | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Steals | Blocks | FG% | 3P% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jalen Green | 39 | 26 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 48.0% | 38.5% | 83.3% |
| Fred VanVleet | 37 | 22 | 3 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 42.9% | 33.3% | 100% |
| Jabari Smith Jr. | 36 | 18 | 7 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 50.0% | 40.0% | 80.0% |
| Alperen Şengün | 32 | 16 | 9 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 57.1% | 0.0% | 75.0% |
| James Harden | 34 | 14 | 4 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 43.8% | 33.3% | 100% |
| Amen Thompson | 28 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 42.9% | 33.3% | 100% |
| Tari Eason | 24 | 2 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 100% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
Jalen Green led the scoring effort for the Rockets, shooting efficiently from the field and contributing defensively. Fred VanVleet orchestrated the offense with poise, dishing out 7 assists while making crucial free throws in the closing seconds. Alperen Şengün provided a solid inside presence, grabbing 9 rebounds and converting tough shots near the basket.
James Harden, facing his former team for the first time since being traded, played a supporting role but still made his mark with timely playmaking and clutch free throws. Jabari Smith Jr. continued to show growth as a two-way player, contributing across multiple categories.
Player Stats: Golden State Warriors
Here’s a detailed look at the Golden State Warriors’ player performance in the same game:
| Player | Minutes | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Steals | Blocks | FG% | 3P% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stephen Curry | 40 | 30 | 5 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 46.7% | 42.9% | 100% |
| Klay Thompson | 37 | 19 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 47.6% | 44.4% | 100% |
| Draymond Green | 33 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 2 | 1 | 50.0% | 0.0% | 75.0% |
| Andrew Wiggins | 38 | 17 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 50.0% | 40.0% | 100% |
| Jonathan Kuminga | 26 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 50.0% | 33.3% | 100% |
| Gary Payton II | 21 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 50.0% | 33.3% | 0.0% |
| Moses Moody | 18 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 33.3% | 25.0% | 0.0% |
Stephen Curry delivered yet another masterclass in clutch shooting, pouring in 30 points on efficient shooting splits. His 6 assists also showcased his ability to involve teammates when the Rockets tightened up defensively. Klay Thompson provided reliable spacing and knockdown shooting, hitting 4 of his 9 three-point attempts.
Andrew Wiggins was active on both ends, finishing with 17 points and playing tight defense on Jalen Green during key stretches. Draymond Green controlled the tempo from the point-forward position, racking up 8 rebounds and 7 assists while playing physical defense.
Despite the efforts of the Warriors’ core trio, the lack of consistent scoring outside of those players proved costly, especially in the fourth quarter when the Rockets locked in defensively.
Tactical Breakdown and Coaching Decisions
Houston Rockets: Youth and Energy Over Experience
Coach Ime Udoka leaned heavily on his young roster, emphasizing speed, transition opportunities, and defensive versatility. The Rockets employed a switch-heavy scheme, which disrupted the Warriors’ screen-heavy offense. They often double-teamed Curry coming off screens, forcing him to make quick decisions or pass out of pressure.
Offensively, Houston focused on exploiting mismatches, especially with Alperen Şengün against smaller defenders and Jalen Green attacking off the dribble. Udoka also managed the rotation well, giving key minutes to Amen Thompson and Tari Eason, who contributed with hustle plays and rebounding.
Golden State Warriors: Reliance on Star Power
Head coach Steve Kerr stuck with his traditional formula—letting Steph Curry create offense and surrounding him with shooters. However, the Rockets’ aggressive switches and help defense limited the effectiveness of the Warriors’ motion offense.
Kerr experimented with small-ball lineups featuring Draymond Green at center and Kuminga at power forward, which gave them some flexibility but ultimately lacked size against Houston’s frontline. While the strategy worked at times, it wasn’t enough to overcome the Rockets’ collective effort.
Turning Point of the Game
The turning point came late in the third quarter when the Rockets went on a 14-4 run over a 4-minute span. During this stretch, Houston forced three turnovers and converted them into fast-break points. Jalen Green hit a step-back three, followed by a driving layup from Fred VanVleet and a post-up from Alperen Şengün.
This run shifted momentum firmly in Houston’s favor and allowed them to enter the final quarter with a lead. Though the Warriors mounted a comeback in the fourth, the Rockets’ composure in crunch time—especially from VanVleet—proved decisive.
Postgame Reactions and Series Outlook
After the game, Rockets head coach Ime Udoka praised his team’s resilience and execution. “We stayed together, trusted the process, and defended our hearts out,” he said. “It’s a huge win for us, but we know there’s a long way to go.”
Stephen Curry, despite the loss, remained optimistic about the series. “Credit to Houston—they brought it tonight. We’ll learn from this and come back stronger,” he stated.
With the Rockets taking a 2-1 series lead, all eyes will be on Game 4 to see if Golden State can regain control or if Houston’s youth movement continues its remarkable playoff run.
Conclusion
The Houston Rockets vs Golden State Warriors matchup on May 4, 2025, was a showcase of modern NBA basketball—fast-paced, competitive, and filled with star power. The Rockets’ balanced attack and defensive intensity paved the way for a critical road victory, while the Warriors’ reliance on Curry and Wiggins wasn’t quite enough to seal the deal.
As the series progresses, both teams will need to adjust strategies, manage rotations, and maintain peak performance. For the Rockets, this win could serve as a defining moment in their journey toward becoming legitimate title contenders. For the Warriors, it’s a reminder that even legends must adapt to evolving challenges.
Basketball fans can only anticipate what Game 4 has in store, as these two Western Conference giants continue their battle for supremacy.
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