Warriors on the Brink: Rockets Force Game 7, Exposing Golden State’s Flaws
The aura of invincibility that once surrounded the Golden State Warriors has faded, replaced by an unsettling vulnerability. In a stunning turn of events, the Houston Rockets have wrestled control of their first-round playoff series, stealing Game 6 at the Chase Center with a convincing 115-107 victory. The Rockets’ triumph marks their second consecutive win with their backs against the wall, forcing a decisive Game 7 back in Houston. Now, the Warriors find themselves in a precarious position, facing the prospect of becoming the latest team to squander a seemingly insurmountable 3-1 series lead.
The Rockets, under the guidance of coach Ime Udoka, have systematically dismantled the Warriors’ game plan. Udoka’s strategic adjustments have exposed glaring weaknesses within the Golden State roster, weaknesses that the Warriors have struggled to address. The Rockets’ double-big lineup, featuring Alperen Şengün and Steven Adams, has exploited the Warriors’ lack of size and interior presence. The dynamic duo has consistently punished the Warriors in the paint, controlling the boards and creating scoring opportunities.
Furthermore, the Rockets’ relentless defense has disrupted the Warriors’ offensive flow. Houston’s speed and athleticism have allowed them to harass the Warriors’ ball-handlers, forcing turnovers and igniting fast-break opportunities. Udoka’s implementation of a zone defense has also flustered the Warriors, disrupting their rhythm and forcing them into uncomfortable shots.
However, the Warriors’ struggles extend beyond tactical adjustments. The team’s overall effort and intensity have waned, leaving them looking lethargic, slow, and uncharacteristically unmotivated. On multiple occasions, the Warriors have displayed a lack of urgency, failing to match the Rockets’ energy and determination.
A prime example of this came when the Warriors intentionally fouled Adams, a notoriously poor free-throw shooter. Despite anticipating Adams’ misses, the Warriors surrendered two offensive rebounds to Şengün, highlighting their lack of focus and interior toughness.
After clawing their way back to within two points at the end of the third quarter, the Warriors displayed a lack of urgency to start the fourth, leading to a momentum-shifting four-point play by Fred VanVleet just six seconds into the period. This lack of focus seemed to unravel the Warriors, as they proceeded to miss 15 of their first 16 shots in the fourth quarter, allowing the Rockets to build a commanding 17-point lead.
While coach Steve Kerr dismissed the notion that fatigue played a role in the loss, the Warriors appeared to be a team burdened by the wear and tear of a long season, particularly among their aging veterans. Kerr, while avoiding direct criticism of his team’s effort, emphasized the importance of ball security, pointing to the turnovers that plagued the Warriors throughout the game.
"I didn’t like our first half with the turnovers — I think we had 10 — and that’s the key to the whole series, our ball security," Kerr stated. "And so (that) got us off to a rough start in the first half."
Kerr also highlighted the significance of VanVleet’s four-point play to start the fourth quarter, acknowledging the coaching staff’s responsibility in ensuring proper matchups. "That felt like a game-changing play because, like I said (it was) a two-point game and right where we need to be, despite not playing well and turning it over quite a bit."
The Warriors’ offensive struggles have also been exacerbated by a lack of consistent support for their star players, Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler. While Curry and Butler combined for 56 points in Game 6, the team’s next leading scorer was Moses Moody with just 13. This lack of offensive balance has allowed the Rockets to focus their defensive efforts on Curry and Butler, stifling the Warriors’ attack.
The Warriors’ current predicament evokes memories of the 2016 NBA Finals, when they held a 3-1 lead over LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Under the leadership of Kerr and Curry, that Warriors team infamously squandered their series lead, ultimately succumbing to the Cavaliers in Game 7.
Now, the Warriors find themselves on the precipice of a similar collapse. As they prepare for Game 7 in Houston, they must rediscover their intensity, focus, and defensive prowess. The Rockets have exposed the Warriors’ vulnerabilities, and it is up to Golden State to respond with a renewed sense of urgency and determination. A lackluster performance in Game 7 could result in another devastating playoff collapse, solidifying the Warriors’ current struggles as more than just a slump, but a sign of a dynasty fading. The Warriors must address their rebounding issues, improve their ball security, and find ways to generate consistent offense beyond Curry and Butler. Otherwise, their season will come to an abrupt and disappointing end.
The pressure is on, and the Warriors must rise to the occasion if they hope to avoid becoming the next cautionary tale in NBA playoff history.
