Jalen Green’s 38-point explosion and Jimmy Butler’s injury leave Golden State reeling as Rockets even the series.
April 23, 2025, will be remembered as the night the Houston Rockets turned up the heat and left the Golden State Warriors searching for answers. In a fiery Game 2 of the NBA playoffs, the Rockets soared to a 109-94 victory, leveling the series at 1-1.
Jalen Green was the star of the show, lighting up the scoreboard with 38 points and tying a franchise record with eight three-pointers. His performance was so electrifying, it could’ve powered the entire city of Houston for the night.
Alperen Şengün was a force in the paint, nearly achieving a triple-double with 17 points, 16 rebounds, and 7 assists. His dominance down low made the Warriors’ defense look like Swiss cheese.
The game took a dramatic turn late in the first quarter when Warriors’ Jimmy Butler exited with a pelvic contusion after a collision with Amen Thompson. Butler’s absence was a significant blow to Golden State, and his status for the upcoming games remains uncertain.
Stephen Curry tried to keep the Warriors afloat, but with Butler sidelined and the Rockets’ defense tightening, it was an uphill battle. The Splash Brothers found themselves in a drought, and the Warriors’ offense sputtered.
The Rockets’ defense was relentless, holding the Warriors under 100 points for the second consecutive game. Houston’s strategy was clear: suffocate Golden State’s offense and let their young stars shine.
Dillon Brooks and Amen Thompson faced foul trouble early, but the Rockets’ bench stepped up. Tari Eason contributed 14 points, providing the spark needed to maintain their lead.
The Warriors attempted a late-game surge, but the Rockets responded with a 7-0 run, extinguishing any hopes of a comeback. The final buzzer sounded, and the Rockets had secured their first playoff win in five years.
As the series shifts to San Francisco for Game 3, the Warriors face uncertainty with Butler’s injury and the Rockets’ newfound momentum. One thing is clear: Houston has reignited their playoff hopes, and the battle is far from over.