The Houston Rockets appeared dead in the water as they left the Bay Area this week after finding themselves in a 3–1 series hole against the Golden State Warriors. Recent nights revived Houston's chance of a surprise spring upset.
Ime Udoka's team responded to two disappointing games in San Francisco with a return to form at home Wednesday night. Houston jumped out to a 40-24 lead after the first quarter of Game 5 at Toyota Center, securing a 131-116 victory as point guard Fred Van Vleet kept his vow to "unload the clip" in a game-high, 26-point performance.