The Houston Rockets put on a stunning show on the road in Game 6 to take a 115-107 win over the Golden State Warriors.
Led by Fred VanVleet, who scored 29 points on the night and Alperen Sengun, who added 21 points, the Houston Rockets extended the series to a crucial Game 7 at the Toyota Center.
Kendrick Perkins heaped praise on VanVleet for his leadership and gave him credit for his performance.
With Jalen Green having misfired all series, the team needed a strong response from other stars and that is exactly what they got from VanVleet and Sengun.
Another player that has stepped up big time for the Rockets in the series against the Golden State Warriors has been Steven Adams.
The New Zealander had 17 points and five rebounds to go with three blocks in Game 6, which proved to be instrumental in the win.
VanVleet lauded Adams for his performance and labelled the veteran as the enforcer of the team.
VanVleet’s impact is for everyone to see, but what has helped the Rockets turn things around is the increased minutes of Adams.
Often the center would not find a place in coach Ime Udoka‘s system, but when he was called upon Adams has been special and that was the case in Game 6.
He played 31 minutes and was important in the win to the team.
Sengun and Adams have made life very difficult for the Warriors as they do not have the size that it takes to stop the duo.
Draymond Green played at the the five for the Dubs, but this option does not seem to viable as Udoka increased Adams minutes to neutralise the impact of the four-time champion.
The Rockets overall offensive rating has been 117.2 with the duo on the floor, while the defensive rating has been a splendid 85.
The big man duo have rebounded 48.2% of the Rockets misses, which is sensational.
Steve Kerr gave Quentin Post more minutes in Game 6 to try and limit the damage Sengun and Adams were causing, but the rookie was given a task bigger than he could handle.
Kevin Looney and Gui Santos were also given rare minutes in the playoffs, but could not do much.
With Game 7 to be played on Sunday, the Warriors will have to figure out a way to deal with the big man duo.
They still have Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler, who are two of the most clutch players in the game.
While playing without an imposing big against Adams and Sengun is going to be difficult, the Warriors have dealt with these situations before.
They have experience of Game 7 and will be ready to challenge the Rockets to advance into the next round.
