The Houston Rockets host the Golden State Warriors tonight at the Toyota Center in a must-win Game 5 of the NBA Playoffs. Trailing the series 3-1, the Rockets must secure a victory to keep their championship hopes alive.
Despite the Game 4 loss, Houston has shown promise. The Rockets fell just short, losing 109-106 in a tightly contested battle. Alperen Sengun delivered a standout performance with 31 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists, while Fred VanVleet added 25 points, six assists, and two rebounds.
On the Warriors’ side, the return of Jimmy Butler proved pivotal. After missing most of Game 2 and all of Game 3 due to a left pelvic contusion, Butler led Golden State with 27 points, five rebounds, and six assists in their Game 4 victory.
What happens if the Rockets lose to the Warriors?
If the Rockets lose tonight, their playoff run will come to an end. Golden State would secure the series win and move on to face the winner of the Lakers–Timberwolves series in the next round.
Fred VanVleet #5 of the Houston Rockets shoots a three point basket against Jimmy Butler III #10 of the Golden State Warriors during the NBA Playoffs. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
What happens if the Rockets beat the Warriors?
A win for the Rockets would extend the series and narrow Golden State’s lead to 3-2. While a victory would stave off elimination, Houston would still need to win both Games 6 and 7 to advance, keeping the stakes high for every remaining game.
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What happens if the Rockets and the Warriors tie in Game 5?
If regulation ends in a tie, the game will proceed to a five-minute overtime. Additional overtimes will follow if the score remains tied. A Warriors overtime win would seal the series for Golden State, while a Rockets overtime win would extend the series to 3-2.
