Rockets Stun Warriors Early, Surge to 27-Point Halftime Lead
The Rockets showed zero mercy in Game 5, blitzing the Warriors from the opening tip and never looking back. In a high-stakes playoff matchup, Houston unleashed a defensive clinic, jumping out to a 16-point lead by the end of the first quarter. Golden State looked completely rattled, shooting just 35.6% from the floor while Houston's pressure forced hurried shots and a flurry of fouls—27 in total before the final horn.
Fred VanVleet was the steady hand at the line, knocking down all 6 of his free throws, while Amen Thompson went 8-for-9 and filled up the stat sheet with energy on both ends. Houston overwhelmed Golden State’s starters, cashing in on 32 of 38 free throws and locking up their shooters on the perimeter. By halftime, the deficit ballooned to 27 points, leaving the crowd and the Warriors alike in shock at just how lopsided things had become.
It didn’t help that Houston’s offense looked effortless: 40 points in the first quarter, ball movement humming, and VanVleet draining tough pull-ups. Dillon Brooks brought his distinct energy and added 24 points, feeding off the team’s defensive stops and fast-break opportunities. Amen Thompson turned the night into a personal highlight reel, collecting five steals, swatting three shots, and putting pressure on the Warriors with every possession. Everything just clicked for the Rockets.
Warriors Bench Fights Back as Starters Get Early Rest
Warriors coach Steve Kerr saw enough midway through the third quarter. With Golden State trailing by 29, he pulled Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler, hoping a shakeup might spark something. Surprisingly, the bench delivered. Moses Moody, having one of his most assertive performances in a Warriors uniform, poured in 25 points along with 9 rebounds. The effort from the reserves cut the gap to just 13 points late in the fourth, juicing a game that had threatened to turn into a full-scale blowout.
Still, the mountain was too steep. Houston's lead was rarely threatened thanks to timely buckets from VanVleet and Brooks, as well as relentless attacking from Thompson. Free throws continued to pile up for Houston, preserving the cushion even as Golden State scrambled for stops and transition opportunities. The damage from the first half turned out to be too much for Golden State to overcome.
What made this loss sting for Golden State was just how out-of-sorts their offense looked under the Rockets pressure. Getting only spot contributions outside of Moody, the star trio ended up spectators for most of the final stretch. Houston’s defense forced turnovers, challenged shots, and controlled the glass, never letting the Warriors find their rhythm or set their tempo.
With Houston's 131-116 victory, the series takes on a new level of tension as it heads back to Chase Center for Game 6. The Warriors still lead 3-2, but the momentum feels like it’s tipping—including the energy and belief in that hungry Houston locker room.