In a heated playoff series between the Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets, former Warriors player Matt Barnes expressed his desire to enter the fray, particularly against Dillon Brooks. After Golden State's Game 5 loss, Barnes highlighted the physicality of the matchup, particularly how the Rockets were intentionally targeting Steph Curry’s injured thumb. This tactic has raised eyebrows, but Barnes believes that the Warriors thrive in such competitive environments, especially with Draymond Green's aggressive playstyle.

Barnes noted that this physicality can benefit the Warriors by getting into the heads of opponents like Alperen Sengun and Dillon Brooks, suggesting that playing physical basketball can yield psychological advantages. With the stakes high, Barnes advocates for the Warriors to embrace this rough approach, especially as they navigate a challenging series.

The Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets series continues to intensify, with a notable incident in Game 5 that underscored the escalating tension. Pat Spencer was ejected for headbutting Alperen Sengun late in the game, following a scuffle that included Moses Moody and Trayce Jackson-Davis. Despite Spencer's earlier contributions, which included 11 points and a surge for the Warriors, the Rockets secured a decisive win, shifting the series back to the Bay Area.

The Houston Rockets clinched a hard-fought Game 5 against the Golden State Warriors, highlighted by a dramatic late-game incident. With less than five minutes left, the game saw a scuffle between players, resulting in Warrior Pat Spencer being ejected after headbutting Alperen Şengün. The clash began when Dillon Brooks was fouled by Spencer, prompting Şengün to confront him, which escalated tensions on the court.

Reinforcements arrived as Trayce Jackson-Davis stepped in to defend his teammate, shoving Şengün in the process. Officials intervened, leading to multiple technical fouls being issued, with both teams collectively amassing 15 technicals throughout the series, now led by the Warriors 3-2. This physicality mirrors the fierce rivalry between the two teams, making the series as thrilling as expected.

Game 5 showcased a remarkable comeback attempt by the Golden State Warriors after being down by 31 points against the Houston Rockets. Their bench, featuring Moses Moody, Pat Spencer, Trayce Jackson-Davis, Kevin Knox, and Braxton Key, delivered a stellar performance, achieving a franchise-record 76 points off the bench. This surge forced Rockets coach Ime Udoka to reinsert his starters, igniting a heated confrontation that led to an ejection.

In a pivotal moment late in the game, a foul by Moody sparked an altercation between Spencer and Rockets star Alperen Sengun, resulting in Spencer's ejection for a headbutting motion. The incident marked a turning point, with the Rockets eventually winning 131-116 but the Warriors bench earning a moral victory heading into Game 6.

The Sacramento Kings have officially removed the interim tag from Doug Christie, promoting him to head coach on a multiyear contract. This decision follows the firing of Mike Brown mid-season, where Christie led the team to a 27-24 record. Despite the Kings showcasing the ninth-best offense during his tenure, they fell short in the play-in round against the Dallas Mavericks. General Manager Scott Perry, who recently joined the organization, expressed confidence in Christie's connection with the players and his ability to lead.

Christie's task now is to bolster a roster that, while offensively talented, finished 23rd in defense. The Kings face a critical off-season where both coaching and roster changes are necessary to improve their playoff prospects. Having navigated a tumultuous coaching landscape since Rick Adelman's departure in 2006, the Kings must act decisively to ensure sustained success.