Draymond Green's Brutally Honest Response on Warriors' Blowout Loss
Wednesday night at Toyota Center felt more like Game 7 than a desperate Game 5.
Houston exploded from the opening tip, pouring in 40 first-quarter points, immediately putting Golden State on its heels.
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By halftime, the Rockets were up 76-49, led by Alperen Şengün's near triple-double (12 pts, 6 reb, 8 ast).
The third quarter was more of the same: Houston outpaced Golden State to stretch the advantage to 107–80, prompting Steve Kerr to empty his bench and regroup for Game 6.
After the game, 2025 NBA Hustle Award winner Draymond Green said, "They weren't playing 'Whoop that Trick' but they may as well have been," per Anthony Slater of The Athletic.
A brief Warriors run early in the fourth cut the lead, but the Rockets' starters quickly eliminated any threat.
When the dust settled, the scoreboard read 131–116 in Houston's favor, and the series stood at 3–2, with the Rockets breathing new life into their season.
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Key to Houston's victory was their defensive intensity and balanced attack.
Şengün finished with 15 points, nine boards, and nine assists, proving too much for Golden State's frontcourt to handle.
Fred VanVleet drilled four triples and scored 26 points, while Amen Thompson chipped in 25 points, six rebounds, three assists and five steals.
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23).Robert Edwards-Imagn Images
Golden State, on the other hand, saw its vaunted dynasty tested.
Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler combined for just 21 points on poor shooting (6-of-22 from the field), while Green mustered a mere seven points.
A late ejection of Pat Spencer for head-butting Şengün added drama to a series that now turns to Game 6 on May 2, back in San Francisco.
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