Jimmy Butler jokingly describes Steven Adams’ physicality after intense Game 6 against Warriors

The Houston Rockets rallied from behind and tied the game against the Golden State Warriors. They did it despite strong offensive performances by Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler. However, the Rockets found balance on both ends of the floor. Steven Adams contributed with an impressive performance. He played 31 minutes but made every second count. He finished with 17 points and 5 rebounds. His energy gave Houston a much-needed push. After the game, Jimmy Butler hilariously praised Steven Adams’ toughness after facing him in a recent game.

“He hit me with one screen today…And I thought my life was over. Like seriously,” stated Jimmy Butler. Adams may not be an offensive star, but his impact goes beyond the scoreboard. He brings consistency and toughness every night. He has built a reputation as one of the league’s most versatile and reliable players. His strength and ability to hold his ground make him hard to get past. For that reason, he plays a key role in Houston. He helps the Rockets stay balanced on both ends of the floor.

Not only Jimmy Butler noticed his impact. His teammate Fred VanVleet also described Adams in a unique way: “He’s like a big caveman in this era of small basketball. An old big just roughing everybody up… We’re gonna play him until he dies out there,” stated on ESPN. With this, we can see that the fact that this era is much less physical has greatly benefited his career. As a consecuence, he is able to thrive in a much easier way giving him an edge.

Nevertheless, this shift in the modern NBA game is not new. Shaquille O’Neal also mentioned how today’s less physical game extends careers. He said it helped LeBron James stay dominant for so long. Adams benefits from that same trend while staying true to his gritty style. At the same time, he is able to contribute offensively as the Game 6 scoring 17 points.

Do the Houston Rockets start as favorites against the Golden State Warriors in the 2025 NBA Playoffs?

The Golden State Warriors held a strong position after winning Game 4 against the Houston Rockets. They needed just one more win to advance to the conference semifinals. However, they dropped the last two games. Now, the series is tied, and everything will come down to Game 7.

The Warriors no longer look like the favorites. Their momentum has faded, and their defense has shown cracks. Meanwhile, the Rockets have gained confidence. They responded with energy and discipline. Their defense tightened at the right time, and their rhythm improved on both ends of the court.

However, it does not mean the Warriors are out of the race. They still have a real chance to win this series. The level of competition has been balanced, even with the gap in regular-season records. Still, the Rockets have a clear advantage that makes them the favorites: defense.

As Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison said, ‘Defense wins championships.’ The Rockets support that claim with one of the best defenses in the league. They also bring elite physical preparation that sets them apart.