NBA Playoffs Warriors lose to Houston Rockets 131-116 series now 3-2

The Houston Rockets defeated the Golden State Warriors 131-116, forcing a Game 6 in the NBA Playoffs and narrowing the series to 3-2. Houston established a solid lead, ending the first quarter 40-26. Fred VanVleet led the Rockets with 26 points, while Amen Thompson made history as the youngest player in franchise history to record 20 points and 5 steals in a playoff game since steals became official in the 1973-74 season. Thompson also became the first player since Charles Barkley in 1993 to achieve 25 points, 5 steals, and 3 blocks in a playoff game. Moses Moody led the Warriors with 19 points, but Stephen Curry struggled, scoring only 13 points, the lowest in a series-clinching opportunity for his career.

This loss puts the Warriors in a precarious position as they look to close out the series. The Rockets aim to build on this momentum in Game 6. The decisive matchup will take place at Chase Center on Friday.