The Houston Rockets faced elimination in Game 5 against the Golden State Warriors and responded with a remarkable performance, winning 131-116. A hot start saw them leading 76-49 at halftime, setting a playoff record for the most points in a half for the franchise. Fred VanVleet was outstanding, scoring 26 points, while Amen Thompson and Dillon Brooks contributed significantly with 25 and 24 points, respectively. The Rockets' starters all scored in double digits, showcasing their depth and resilience. The Warriors, on the other hand, opted to bench their starters midway through the third quarter as the game slipped away, maintaining a 3-2 series advantage going back to San Francisco.