The Houston Rockets evened the series in a major way, dominating the Golden State Warriors in a highly physical and controversial 109-94 victory on April 24 in Game 2 of the NBA Western Conference First Round series.
Golden State Warriors Top Performers:
Stephen Curry 20 PTS | 5 REB | 9 AST | 39.5 FPS
Curry shot reasonably well, but the Rockets made him work for every point. Still, he compensated with strong playmaking and continued his efficiency from three-point area, hitting 9 of 18 threes over the last two games. With Butler potentially sidelined, Curry will have to shoulder a heavier offensive load—something he’ll look to capitalize on with the home crowd behind him in Game 3.
Draymond Green 8 PTS | 5 REB | 3 STL | 22.5 FPS
Green had a difficult time matching the Rockets’ physicality today but still posted solid numbers across multiple categories, marking his second consecutive game with at least 5 rebounds and 4 stocks. His impact remains crucial to the series, though a dip in production is possible as he continues to battle foul trouble.
Moses Moody 12 PTS | 1 STL | 1 BLK | 20.9 FPS
Moody got off to a strong start today but slowed down the rest of the way. He hasn’t been very productive lately, especially with limited usage, making Podz the safer option at his position. But with Butler possibly missing games, they will need him to step up in order to have a chance of stealing the series.
Jonathan Kuminga 11 PTS | 3 REB | 1 BLK | 19.6 FPS
JK had fallen out of the rotation toward the end of the season but saw the floor today following Butler’s injury. While some rust was expected, he held his own and contributed in other areas. He could provide a similar impact in Game 3, but only if Butler remains sidelined.
Quinten Post 12 PTS | 2 REB | 1 STL | 18.9 FPS
Post saw increased minutes today and made the most of them, knocking down four threes. He’s certainly capable of performances like this, though his limited production in other areas and inconsistent minutes has made him a difficult option. But if Butler remains unavailable, expect him to provide another solid impact.
Houston Rockets Top Performers:
Jalen Green 38 PTS | 6 AST | 3 STL | 58.8 FPS
Green bounced back in emphatic fashion after a rough playoff debut, pouring in his fifteenth 30-point game of the season. He also drained eight three-pointers—more than the entire team managed in Game 1—tying the franchise playoff record and becoming the youngest guard in NBA history to hit that mark. While sustaining this level of play might be a tall order, Green’s scoring will be vital if the team hopes to take control of the series.
Alperen Sengun 17 PTS | 16 REB | 7 AST | 49.7 FPS
Sengun continues to exploit the Warriors’ small-ball lineup with another dominant showing in the paint. While he struggled offensively today and still has issues with turnovers, he should continue to take advantage of his matchup and remain one of the best fantasy options in this series.
Fred Vanvleet 7 PTS | 6 REB | 3 STL | 29.2 FPS
Fred still couldn’t find his rhythm on offense, shooting 6-for-27 from the floor—and an even worse 3-for-20—in the first two games of the series, but he stayed relevant in other areas. While his offensive struggles may persist, he should continue to find ways to contribute and remain impactful as their best option at the point guard spot.
Tari Eason 14 PTS | 6 REB | 1 AST | 21.7 FPS
Eason has been a key contributor in the first two games of the series, delivering solid defensive value in Game 1 and stepping up on offense today. With the Rockets not having many offensive options, he’s likely to maintain his current offensive usage while also continuing to make an impact in other areas.
Dilon Brooks 16 PTS | 3 REB | 1 BLK | 21.1 FPS
Brooks has continued to provide a solid offensive boost, scoring in double figures again with much-improved efficiency, while also adding value in other areas. Though he’s primarily relied upon for his defense, the team will need him to sustain this level of offensive production for them to win the series.
Biggest Disappointment of the Game:
Amen Thompson 11 PTS | 1 REB | 3 AST
Thompson started well but couldn’t keep it going with foul troubles. While he wasn’t his usual dominant self on both ends today, he’s still among the best two-way players in the series.
