Tunisia World Cup

Walking into the Golden State Warriors’ post-game press conference, I could still feel the electric energy from the Oracle Arena crowd buzzing in my bones. As someone who’s covered the NBA for over a decade, I’ve seen my share of epic battles, but Game 2 between the Warriors and Rockets was something else entirely—a chess match played at lightning speed, with momentum swinging like a pendulum until the final buzzer. The 115-109 scoreline tells only part of the story; what unfolded was a masterclass in resilience, shot-making, and tactical adjustments that left fans breathless and analysts scrambling for superlatives.

Let’s rewind a bit. The Rockets came into this series with a chip on their shoulder, having lost to the Warriors in the playoffs three times since 2015. James Harden and Chris Paul were determined to rewrite that narrative, and in Game 1, they nearly did—falling just four points short in a heartbreaker. But Game 2? This was different. From the opening tip, you could feel the tension. The Rockets started strong, exploiting mismatches and hitting 7 of their first 10 three-point attempts. By the end of the first quarter, they led by 9, and for a moment, it felt like the Warriors’ home-court advantage might crumble.

Then came the second quarter, and with it, the turning point that would define the entire night. With 8:32 left in the half, Kevin Durant isolated on PJ Tucker, drained a contested 25-footer, and drew a foul. The and-one play ignited a 14-2 run that shifted the momentum squarely in Golden State’s favor. But the real story was the Warriors’ defense—their switch-everything scheme disrupted Houston’s rhythm, forcing 6 turnovers in a span of just five minutes. I’ve always believed defense wins championships, and last night, the Warriors proved it again. Draymond Green’s intensity was contagious; he finished with 4 steals and 2 blocks, but his impact went far beyond the stat sheet.

Of course, no analysis of the NBA Warriors vs Rockets Game 2 would be complete without highlighting Stephen Curry’s third-quarter explosion. After a quiet first half where he shot just 2-for-9, Curry erupted for 16 points in the third, including four three-pointers in under four minutes. One of them—a 30-foot bomb over Clint Capela—felt like a dagger even though there was still a quarter left to play. I’ve seen Curry take over games before, but this was different. The Rockets had no answer; their defensive rotations, usually so crisp, looked a step slow. It’s moments like these that remind you why the Warriors have been the team to beat for years.

But Houston didn’t go down without a fight. James Harden put on a scoring clinic, finishing with 38 points, 9 assists, and 7 rebounds. His step-back three with 1:12 left in the fourth brought the Rockets within three, and for a split second, you could feel the arena hold its breath. Yet, as has happened so many times in this rivalry, the Warriors had the final answer—a Klay Thompson corner three off a clever baseline screen with 38 seconds remaining. That shot, more than any other, sealed the victory. Thompson, who’d been relatively quiet all night, came through when it mattered most. It’s what champions do.

Watching this game, I couldn’t help but reflect on how basketball has evolved into a global spectacle. The intensity, the skill, the drama—it’s no wonder the sport captivates audiences from Oakland to Manila. In fact, the 2023 Fiba Basketball World Cup, set to be hosted in the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia, is already generating massive excitement. Filipino fans, known for their passion, are eagerly anticipating the tournament, and games like this Warriors-Rockets thriller only fuel that enthusiasm. It’s a reminder that basketball transcends borders, and nights like these are why we love the game.

Post-game, I caught up with former NBA coach Jeff Van Gundy, who’s been analyzing the league for years. He pointed to the Warriors’ bench contribution as an underrated factor. "Andre Iguodala and Kevon Looney combined for 22 points and 11 rebounds," he noted. "In a series this tight, those role player performances are the difference between winning and losing." I have to agree. While the stars grab the headlines, it’s often the unsung heroes who tilt the scale in games like this.

So where does this leave the series? The Warriors now lead 2-0, and history isn’t on Houston’s side—teams that go down 2-0 in a best-of-seven have only come back to win about 12% of the time. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned covering this league, it’s to never count out a team with as much pride and talent as the Rockets. They’ll head back to Houston with their backs against the wall, and I expect Game 3 to be another barnburner. For now, though, the Warriors have sent a clear message: their championship DNA is very much intact. What a game, what a night. If you missed it, do yourself a favor and watch the replay—this is basketball at its absolute best.