Fred VanVleet and Amen Thompson propelled the Houston Rockets to a decisive 131-116 victory over the Golden State Warriors in Game 5, extending the first-round playoff series. VanVleet scored 26 points, while Thompson contributed 25, showcasing their offensive prowess. Dillon Brooks added another 24 points, helping all five starters reach double figures. The Rockets quickly established dominance, leading by 27 points at halftime. Despite a late push from the Warriors, Houston held strong, particularly after a scuffle involving Pat Spencer and Alperen Sengun, which saw Spencer ejected.

Coach Ime Udoka’s squad, having lost both previous games in California, demonstrated resilience and aims to achieve the rare feat of overcoming a 3-1 series deficit. Meanwhile, Stephen Curry struggled, scoring just 13 points as the Warriors’ three-point shooting faltered. With Game 6 on the horizon in San Francisco, the Rockets are keen to sustain their momentum.