The Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets are set for a high-stakes Game 6 showdown on May 2, 2025, at Chase Center, with the Warriors holding a 3–2 lead and the Rockets riding the momentum of a dominant Game 5 victory. The series has been a fascinating clash of veteran experience and youthful energy, with Golden State relying on playoff-tested stars like Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler, while Houston has leaned into the dynamism and athleticism of their rising core. Game 5 was a wake-up call for the Warriors, who were outplayed in nearly every phase and pulled their starters midway through the third quarter as Houston ran away with a 131–116 victory. The Rockets’ ability to generate consistent offense, force turnovers, and get contributions across the board—from Fred VanVleet’s 26 points to Amen Thompson’s 25 points and defensive brilliance—completely disrupted Golden State’s usual rhythm. As the series shifts back to San Francisco, the Warriors will look to regain control through their home-court advantage and playoff experience, but they’ll need a renewed focus and stronger defensive energy to prevent the Rockets from pushing this series to a Game 7. Golden State’s playoff pedigree is unquestionable, but they’ve looked vulnerable throughout this series, especially when asked to keep pace with Houston’s transition offense. Their defense has been inconsistent, and Draymond Green, long a defensive anchor and playmaker, has seen his impact diminish—averaging just 2.5 assists per game, well below his season average. While Stephen Curry remains a constant scoring threat, and Jimmy Butler provides grit and two-way value, the Warriors have lacked cohesion, particularly when the Rockets trap and switch defensively. Klay Thompson and Andrew Wiggins will be crucial swing factors in Game 6; if they can space the floor and knock down perimeter shots, it could open up the game for Curry to take over.

Golden State’s defense must do a better job limiting dribble penetration, rotating quickly on help assignments, and closing out on shooters to contain Houston’s offense. Head coach Steve Kerr will also be tasked with finding the right rotations to neutralize Houston’s athletic wings and maintain tempo control. Historically strong in elimination-clinching games at home, the Warriors will need to summon all their composure and precision to avoid a Game 7 scenario. The Rockets, meanwhile, arrive with confidence and a renewed sense of belief after Game 5’s breakthrough performance. Fred VanVleet continues to serve as the on-court leader, balancing scoring and facilitating while keeping his team grounded. Amen Thompson’s athleticism and defensive presence disrupted Golden State’s rhythm in Game 5, and his evolution into a two-way threat is giving the Rockets a critical edge on the wing. Alperen Şengün has played a versatile role inside, nearly registering a triple-double in the last outing despite foul trouble, and his high-IQ passing and interior scoring make Houston difficult to defend when spacing is right. Head coach Ime Udoka has pushed the right buttons throughout the series, and his team’s unselfish ball movement, defensive effort, and shot-making have all trended upward. The Rockets’ challenge in Game 6 will be maintaining their defensive discipline on the road, handling Golden State’s crowd-fueled runs, and continuing to share the scoring load. If they can stay aggressive, limit turnovers, and control the glass, the Rockets have a real chance to force a Game 7 and send this series back to Houston with everything on the line.