The Houston Rockets faced off against the Golden State Warriors in Game 2 of their first-round series in the 2025 NBA playoffs at Toyota Center. After a loss in Game 1, the Rockets were looking to even the series and avoid falling into a 2-0 hole.
With a win, the Rockets would tie the series and make it a best-of-five heading into Game 3 at the Chase Center in San Francisco. However, a loss would put them at a disadvantage, needing at least one road victory to stay alive in the series.
The stakes were high for Houston, with All-Star center Alperen Sengun leading the charge with an impressive performance in Game 1. However, the starting backcourt of Fred VanVleet and Jalen Green struggled, shooting poorly from the field.
In Game 2, the Rockets came out strong, making seven 3-pointers in the first half alone compared to just six in the entire previous game. Head coach Ime Udoka emphasized the need to make shots, and his team responded by shooting nearly 37% from beyond the arc.
At halftime, the Rockets held a commanding 60-46 lead over the Warriors, fueled by their improved shooting and solid defense. Jalen Green led the team with 15 points, while Alperen Sengun and Tari Eason also contributed significantly.
Despite Golden State’s efforts, led by Steph Curry, who had 11 points in the first half, the Warriors struggled to keep up with the Rockets’ offensive firepower. Additionally, Jimmy Butler’s early exit due to a pelvis contusion further hampered the Warriors’ chances of a comeback.
As the game progressed, the Rockets continued to maintain their lead, with Alperen Sengun showcasing his versatility despite a slight dip in shooting efficiency. The Warriors tried to rally behind reserve Pat Spencer, but it was not enough to overcome Houston’s strong performance.
In the end, the Rockets secured a crucial victory, tying the series at 1-1 and shifting the momentum in their favor. As the series heads to Golden State for Game 3, both teams will be looking to gain the upper hand in what promises to be a highly competitive matchup.