The Golden State Warriors, champions in 2022, face a tough challenge in the first round of the Western Conference Playoffs. Their opponent, the No. 2 seed Houston Rockets, has transformed into one of the NBA’s top teams under coach Ime Udoka. With a 3-2 record against the Rockets this season, the Warriors must adjust their strategy to overcome Houston’s physicality and strong defensive play to advance. Here’s what the Warriors need to focus on to win a seven-game series.
Increase Physicality on Both Ends of the Court
To compete with the Rockets, the Warriors need to ramp up their physicality, particularly on defense. Houston is known for its tough, aggressive style, especially on the defensive end. The Rockets’ top perimeter defenders, Amen Thompson and Dillon Brooks, excel at pressuring opponents, often disrupting their offensive flow.
In their last meeting, the Warriors struggled offensively, with Stephen Curry having a rare off-night. Curry managed only three points, shooting 1-for-10 from the field. This was due, in part, to Udoka’s defensive strategy, which involved doubling Curry when he moved off the ball, a tactic that stifled the Warriors’ star. While Curry is unlikely to be held in check for an entire series, head coach Steve Kerr will need to capitalize on 4-on-3 offensive opportunities to break through the Rockets’ defense.
Limit Second-Chance Opportunities
One of the Rockets’ biggest strengths is their ability to grab offensive rebounds and generate second-chance points. Houston leads the league in offensive rebound percentage at 50.3%, largely due to the presence of Steven Adams and Alperen Şengün. The Warriors must limit these second-chance opportunities to disrupt the Rockets’ game plan.
Draymond Green, having one of his best seasons in recent years, will play a crucial role in boxing out Adams and Şengün. If Green can control the paint and force Houston’s wing defenders to crash the boards, the Warriors can pick up the tempo and transition to their fast-paced offensive game. This could significantly hinder the Rockets’ efforts to control the game flow.
Leverage Playoff Experience
The Warriors’ experience in high-pressure playoff situations is one of their biggest advantages. With head coach Steve Kerr and stars like Curry, Green, and newly-acquired Jimmy Butler, the Warriors’ core has proven time and again that they know how to perform when it matters most. This playoff pedigree will be crucial in a series against a Rockets team that lacks postseason experience.
Players like Jalen Green and Şengün have had impressive regular seasons but have yet to play in an NBA playoff game. The pressure of playoff basketball may prove difficult for the Rockets’ younger stars, particularly when facing a seasoned team like the Warriors.
Star Power: Curry and Butler’s Impact
The Warriors’ two biggest stars, Curry and Butler, are among the best players in the series. Their ability to perform under playoff pressure will be a defining factor. Butler, known as “Playoff Jimmy,” has led the Miami Heat to the Finals multiple times and has a reputation for elevating his game when the stakes are highest. Similarly, Curry’s experience and ability to take over games make him a constant threat.
In contrast, the Rockets’ reliance on players like Green and Şengün, while promising, could fall short in a high-stakes series. The Warriors’ championship-tested core could prove to be the difference-maker, as playoff success often depends on superstar performances.
A History of Success Against the Rockets
The Warriors have a strong track record against the Rockets in the postseason, winning all four of their previous matchups. The most recent of these came in 2019, but despite the changes to both teams, the Warriors’ core group has consistently emerged victorious in these high-stakes encounters.
The Warriors’ path to victory in a seven-game series against the Rockets hinges on their ability to match Houston’s physicality, limit second-chance opportunities, and leverage their playoff experience. While the Rockets have become a formidable team, the Warriors’ championship pedigree, combined with the star power of Curry and Butler, gives them a significant edge. If the Warriors execute their game plan effectively, they should be well-positioned to advance past the Rockets in the first round.
