When the Rockets vs Warriors matchup appears on the NBA schedule, basketball fans know they’re in for something special. This isn’t just another game; it’s a collision of basketball philosophies, championship aspirations, and raw competitive fire that has defined the Western Conference for the better part of a decade.
The rivalry between these two franchises reached new heights in 2025 when they met in a thrilling first-round playoff series that went the full seven games. The Warriors ultimately prevailed in Game 7 with a 103-89 victory, but the series showcased why this matchup continues to captivate audiences.
The 2025 Playoff Series: A New Chapter in Rockets vs Warriors History
Series Overview and Key Moments
The 2025 first-round series between the Warriors and Rockets featured seven intense games, with Golden State winning the series 4-3. This marked the fifth time these teams have met in the playoffs since 2015, and the drama did not disappoint.
Game-by-Game Breakdown:
Game 1 saw the Warriors take control with a 95-85 victory, setting the tone early. Stephen Curry dominated with 31 points while Jimmy Butler added 26 points in his playoff debut for Golden State.
The Rockets bounced back in Game 2. Jalen Green exploded for 38 points, making eight three-pointers to lead Houston to a 109-94 victory. Green admitted the playoff atmosphere initially overwhelmed him in Game 1, but he responded brilliantly.
The Warriors won Games 3 and 4 by narrow margins (104-93 and 109-106 respectively), pushing Houston to the brink of elimination.
Facing elimination, the Rockets delivered their best performance. Fred VanVleet scored 26 points and Amen Thompson added 25 as Houston dominated 131-116 in Game 5. The victory forced the series back to San Francisco.
Houston won Game 6 at home 115-107, setting up a dramatic Game 7 showdown.
The Epic Game 7 Finale
In the decisive Game 7, Buddy Hield became an unlikely hero with 33 points and nine three-pointers, setting an NBA Game 7 record. Stephen Curry scored 14 of his 22 points in the fourth quarter to seal the 103-89 victory.
The Warriors’ experience proved crucial. Draymond Green noted that Golden State improved to 28-11 since Jimmy Butler’s debut on February 8 after his trade from Miami.
Historical Context: Rockets vs Warriors Through the Years
The Playoff Dominance Era (2015-2019)
Before 2025, the Warriors had beaten the Rockets four times in playoff series between 2015 and 2019, establishing clear dominance during Golden State’s dynasty years.
The rivalry reached its peak in 2018. Houston won 65 games during the regular season and took a 3-2 series lead in the Western Conference Finals. Game 7 became infamous when the Rockets missed 27 consecutive three-pointers, allowing Golden State to advance to the Finals.
Key Players Who Shaped the Rivalry
Golden State Warriors:
- Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and Kevin Durant redefined modern basketball with their emphasis on three-point shooting and ball movement
- Curry remains the constant, still leading the Warriors in 2025
- Jimmy Butler joined the Warriors mid-season and became a crucial playoff contributor
Houston Rockets:
- James Harden led the Rockets to two Western Conference Finals appearances during his tenure, both times losing to Golden State
- Chris Paul nearly orchestrated a historic upset in 2018 before injury struck
- The current roster features young stars Jalen Green, Alperen Şengün, and Amen Thompson
Overall Head-to-Head Record
Through their history, the Warriors and Rockets have played 238 regular season games, with Houston holding a 128-110 advantage. However, Golden State’s playoff success has defined the modern era of this rivalry.
What Makes Rockets vs Warriors Special
Contrasting Styles
The Rockets vs Warriors matchup has always been about more than talent—it’s about philosophy.
Golden State built their dynasty on ball movement, three-point shooting, and versatile defense. Steve Kerr implemented a selfless, dynamic offense that proved nearly invincible during their peak years.
Houston, meanwhile, has evolved from the iso-heavy Harden era to a young, aggressive team under coach Ime Udoka. The current Rockets are brash, physical, and unafraid to scrap, with their defensive intensity creating a playoff atmosphere.
The Competitive Fire
Rockets head coach Ime Udoka participated in an altercation during a 2025 regular season game, taunting Curry before halftime. This intensity carries over into every Rockets vs Warriors meeting.
After the Game 7 victory, Draymond Green referenced Fred VanVleet’s comment that this Rockets team wasn’t the same one Golden State previously dominated, saying: “It’s that organization though. We like coming to the city playing in these situations”.
Recent Regular Season Battles
The 2024-25 regular season saw multiple compelling Rockets vs Warriors games:
- Jonathan Kuminga scored a career-high 33 points to lead Golden State to a 99-93 victory in December 2024
- Jalen Green made two free throws with 3.5 seconds remaining as Houston won 91-90 to advance to the NBA Cup semifinals
- Most recently, the Rockets secured a 104-100 victory in late November 2025
Key Players to Watch in Rockets vs Warriors Matchups
Stephen Curry: The Warriors’ Eternal Flame
Even in his late career, Curry remains the focal point. During the 2025 playoffs, Curry became the 11th player in NBA history to reach 4,000 career playoff points. His ability to create offense through shooting and playmaking makes him the most important player in any Rockets vs Warriors game.
Jalen Green: Houston’s Rising Star
Green’s playoff emergence was one of 2025’s biggest stories. After struggling with playoff nerves in Game 1, admitting the court looked huge and his legs were shaky, Green found his rhythm and delivered multiple spectacular performances.
The Supporting Casts
- Jimmy Butler: Golden State’s mid-season acquisition transformed their playoff prospects
- Alperen Şengün: Houston’s skilled big man creates mismatches
- Amen Thompson: Thompson’s defensive prowess was described as making him “an absolute monster” who held Curry to just three points on 1-10 shooting in one April 2025 game
- Draymond Green: The Warriors’ defensive anchor and emotional leader
Tactical Breakdown: How These Teams Match Up
Offensive Strategies
The Warriors rely on Curry’s gravity to create open looks. When opponents focus too heavily on stopping him, Butler and other role players capitalize. Golden State averaged strong three-point shooting throughout the 2025 playoffs.
Houston takes a different approach. The Rockets aim to win the possession battle and get more shots up than opponents, with their 93.4 field-goal attempts per game leading the regular season. They emphasize offensive rebounding and second-chance opportunities.
Defensive Chess Match
Rockets coach Ime Udoka dedicates his most trusted defensive assets toward stifling Curry, using multiple defenders and “junk” defenses. The strategy forces other Warriors to beat them.
Golden State counters with switching and help defense, trying to limit Houston’s transition opportunities and offensive rebounds.
The Broader Context: Where These Teams Stand
Warriors’ Championship Window
With Curry now in his late 30s, Golden State has been trying to stay competitive with Curry and Draymond Green still on the roster, though Klay Thompson is no longer Curry’s running mate—Jimmy Butler now fills that role.
The 2025 playoff run showed the Warriors still have championship potential when everything clicks.
Rockets’ Bright Future
Houston drafted a plethora of players to form what is now a serious playoff team with a 52-30 record. The 2025 playoffs marked the Rockets’ first postseason appearance since 2020.
While they fell short against Golden State, the experience gained by Green, Şengün, Thompson, and others sets the foundation for future success.
Memorable Moments in Rockets vs Warriors History
The 27 Missed Threes
No discussion of this rivalry is complete without mentioning 2018’s Game 7. Houston needed just one more victory to reach the Finals, but their three-point shooting went ice cold at the worst possible moment.
Curry’s Game 6 Explosion
In Game 6 of the 2019 series with Kevin Durant sidelined, Curry scored 33 points in the second half after being held scoreless in the first 24 minutes, including 16 points in the final minutes.
The 2025 Playoff Drama
From Hield’s record-breaking Game 7 performance to Green’s 38-point explosion in Game 2, the 2025 series created new memories that will be discussed for years.
Impact on the NBA Landscape
The Rockets vs Warriors rivalry has influenced how teams approach building rosters. Houston, under Daryl Morey, popularized the use of advanced statistical analytics in player acquisitions and style of play, while Golden State proved the value of three-point shooting and ball movement.
Their playoff battles have consistently produced high television ratings and social media engagement, making every matchup must-see TV.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Rockets vs Warriors
What’s Next for Golden State?
After defeating Houston, the Warriors faced the Minnesota Timberwolves in the conference semifinals. The franchise faces important decisions about maintaining competitiveness while Curry can still perform at an elite level.
Houston’s Rebuild Complete?
The Rockets proved they belong among the Western Conference’s elite. With their young core gaining playoff experience and potential for growth, Houston could emerge as a championship contender in the coming seasons.
Will They Meet Again?
Given both teams’ positions in the Western Conference hierarchy, another Rockets vs Warriors playoff series seems likely. The rivalry has been renewed, and the next chapter could be even more compelling.
Conclusion
The Rockets vs Warriors rivalry represents everything great about professional basketball—elite talent, contrasting styles, genuine animosity, and unforgettable moments. While Golden State won the 2025 playoff battle, Houston served notice that they’re ready to compete for championships.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr acknowledged after Game 7: “We were lucky to get out of this series. That was an incredibly impressive display of resolve”. This mutual respect, combined with intense competition, ensures the Rockets vs Warriors rivalry will continue captivating fans for years to come.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of either team or simply love great basketball, every Rockets vs Warriors game delivers drama, skill, and the highest level of competitive fire the NBA has to offer.
FAQs
Q: Who won the 2025 Rockets vs Warriors playoff series?
A: The Golden State Warriors won the series 4-3, advancing to the Western Conference semifinals after a dramatic Game 7 victory at Houston.
Q: What is the all-time playoff record between the Rockets and Warriors?
A: The Warriors have won all five playoff series between the teams since 2015, though the 2025 series was the first to go seven games.
Q: Who are the key players in the Rockets vs Warriors rivalry?
A: For the Warriors, Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and now Jimmy Butler lead the way. For Houston, Jalen Green, Alperen Şengün, and Amen Thompson are the new faces of the rivalry.
Q: When did the Rockets vs Warriors rivalry begin?
A: While the teams first played in 1967, the modern rivalry intensified with their 2015 playoff meeting and peaked during the Warriors’ dynasty years from 2015-2019.
Q: What was the most famous Rockets vs Warriors game?
A: Game 7 of the 2018 Western Conference Finals remains the most infamous, when Houston missed 27 consecutive three-pointers in a close loss.
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