Walking into Game 2 of the Warriors vs Rockets playoff series, I couldn’t help but feel that familiar buzz—the kind that only high-stakes basketball brings. As someone who’s covered the NBA for over a decade, I’ve seen my share of turning-point games, but this one? It had that special intensity, the sort that reminds you why basketball captivates audiences from Oakland to Manila. I’m reminded of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, an event that drew massive support from Philippine fans and showcased just how deeply the sport resonates globally. That same passion was palpable last night, even through the screen. The stakes were clear: Golden State needed to protect home court after a shaky Game 1, while Houston aimed to steal momentum. And in the end, it wasn’t just star power that decided it—it was execution in the margins.

Let’s rewind to the third quarter, because honestly, that’s where the game tilted for good. With about seven minutes left, the Rockets were up by four and looking sharp—their ball movement had been crisp, and James Harden was drawing fouls like it was his part-time job. But then, the Warriors did what they do best: they unleashed that signature defensive pressure. Draymond Green, who I’ve always believed is the emotional engine of this team, switched onto Harden near the top of the key and forced a contested step-back three. Miss. Klay Thompson grabbed the board, and within seconds, Steph Curry was pulling up from 28 feet. Swish. That sequence didn’t just tie the game; it sucked the air out of Houston’s sails. I’ve seen Golden State pull this trick so many times—it’s almost like they lull you into a false sense of security before flipping a switch. Statistically, the Warriors outscored the Rockets 34-18 in the third, and if you ask me, that run was the real turning point. Houston never fully recovered.

But it wasn’t just the stars who shaped this game. Off the bench, Gary Payton II provided exactly the kind of energy Golden State needed—he had two steals and a momentum-shifting dunk in just under 12 minutes of play. On the other side, Houston’s Alperen Şengün struggled to find his rhythm, finishing with just 8 points and 3 rebounds. I’ll be honest, I was surprised the Rockets didn’t go to him more in the post, especially with the Warriors playing small for stretches. It’s these role player performances that often fly under the radar but end up defining playoff series. Remember, in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, it wasn’t just the marquee names that drove teams—unsung heroes stepped up, and that’s what separates good teams from contenders. Last night, Golden State’s depth simply outshone Houston’s.

Then there were the coaching adjustments. Steve Kerr, in my opinion, made a brilliant move by going to a zone defense midway through the fourth quarter. The Rockets, who’d been attacking the rim effectively early on, suddenly looked hesitant. They settled for three-pointers, shooting just 4-of-14 from beyond the arc in the final period. On the other hand, Houston’s coach Ime Udoka waited a bit too long to counter—by the time he called a timeout and subbed in more shooters, the Warriors had built a 9-point cushion. I’ve always admired Kerr’s feel for the game; he’s not afraid to take risks when it matters. Udoka, while sharp, seemed to stick with his initial game plan for a tad too long. In playoff basketball, hesitation can be costly.

Of course, no analysis would be complete without mentioning the free-throw disparity. The Warriors went 22-of-25 from the line, compared to Houston’s 14-of-18. Now, I’m not one to blame referees—officiating is a tough job—but a couple of those calls in the paint felt soft, especially the blocking foul on Jabari Smith Jr. late in the third. That gave Curry two free throws and extended the lead to six. Small moments, big consequences. It’s funny—when I think back to the FIBA World Cup, the same thing happened in tight games: one or two calls shifted momentum, and fan reactions in places like the Philippines showed how emotionally invested people get. Last night, those free throws weren’t just points; they were psychological blows.

As the final buzzer sounded with the Warriors winning 112-105, I found myself reflecting on what this means for the series. Golden State now leads 2-0, and history hasn’t been kind to teams that fall into that hole—statistically, only about 7% come back to win the series. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned covering this league, it’s that numbers don’t always tell the whole story. The Rockets have the talent to adjust, especially if they can get more production from their bench and tighten up their perimeter defense. Still, the Warriors have that championship DNA. They know how to close, and last night’s key plays—the defensive stops, the timely threes, the coaching tweaks—proved it once again. For fans watching from the Philippines to the Bay Area, this game was another reminder of why we love playoff basketball: it’s unpredictable, emotional, and decided by moments that linger long after the final whistle.