The Houston Rockets faced a must-win situation in Game 5 against the Golden State Warriors, entering the match down 3-1 in the series. They established dominance early, outscoring the Warriors 40-24 in the first quarter and leading by 27 points at halftime. Despite the Warriors' attempts to rally in the second half, head coach Steve Kerr opted to pull his starters, prioritizing their health for the upcoming Game 6. Fans largely supported this decision, acknowledging the need for rest and strategic focus on the next game at Chase Center.