The ghosts of past playoff battles against Golden State whisper doubts into hopeful ears in Houston. Just one game into their 2025 postseason campaign, the youthful energy of the Rockets collided with the steely resolve of the veteran Warriors, a familiar script unfolding with Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler leading the charge to a Game 1 victory. While Houston’s regular-season ascent hinted at a new dawn, Dwyane Wade isn’t buying the hype just yet. His stark warning? Championship pedigree isn’t easily dethroned, and for the Rockets to truly conquer, they’ll need more than just talent – they’ll need to rewrite the playoff narrative itself.
Dwyane Wade didn’t hold back—he believes the odds are stacked against the Houston Rockets in their playoff series against the Golden State Warriors. In Game 1, the Warriors secured a 95–85 victory in Houston, with Stephen Curry scoring 31 points and Jimmy Butler adding 25.
The Houston Rockets had a remarkable 2024–25 regular season, finishing with a 52–30 record and clinching their first playoff berth and Southwest Division title since 2020. Their young core, led by Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green, showcased significant growth, with Şengün averaging 21.6 points and 9.3 rebounds per game. The team’s eight-game winning streak in March highlighted their potential.
Wade had nothing but love for what the Rockets accomplished this season. “I love what Houston has done… and it’s not disrespect to what they’ve done in the regular season,” he said. He made sure to credit head coach Ime Udoka, too, acknowledging his strong resume. But when it came to playoff grit—especially against a team like the Warriors—Wade didn’t sugarcoat it. The tone shifted. “When you’re going against someone that has championship DNA like Golden State has—Draymond and obviously Steph has—you gotta bury them,” he said. And for Wade, it didn’t seem like the Rockets were quite there yet. Wade’s emphasis on “burying” a championship-caliber team highlights the level of dominance required to overcome their experience.
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What really stuck with him was how the Warriors handled the closing stretch. “I just watched their last five minutes… they executed the game plan to perfection.” And he wasn’t exaggerating. Golden State outscored Houston 18–5 in the final five minutes of Game 1, with Steph Curry dropping 8 of those points and orchestrating the offense like a surgeon. The Rockets, on the other hand, went 2-of-10 from the field and committed 3 turnovers in that span. That kind of execution—or lack thereof—is what Wade was getting at. “It’s hard for me to say you can bury those dogs,” he added.
Until Houston proves it under real playoff pressure, against battle-tested teams in crunch time, the doubt is fair. Wade’s analysis of the final minutes underscores the critical gap in late-game execution between the experienced Warriors and the young Rockets.
Wade wasn’t the only one chiming in—Dorell Wright also weighed in under the post, backing the idea that experience still matters when the game’s on the line. And just like that, this wasn’t just a Rockets vs. Warriors chat anymore.
It opened the door to a classic NBA conversation: youth vs. experience. Let’s break that down.
The ultimate dilemma: Draymond Green or Alperen Sengun?
In Game 1, Draymond Green‘s defense was a huge factor, especially in those last five minutes. With 8 points, 7 rebounds, and his signature defensive stops, Green played a crucial role in the Warriors’ victory.With three championships and countless playoff battles under his belt, he was the difference-maker in clutch time, proving why he’s a finalist for 2024-25 Defensive Player of the Year. Green’s veteran presence and defensive intensity in critical moments exemplify the value of playoff experience.
Steph Curry, as usual, was the engine for the Warriors, scoring 31 points. But it was his performance in the last five minutes that sealed the game—scoring 8 points, including clutch threes, during an 18-5 run. With 25 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, and 5 steals in 42 minutes, Jimmy Butler showed exactly why he’s a postseason standout. The NBA world took notice of his performance, with many calling it a vintage “Playoff Jimmy” showing. Curry and Butler’s combined experience and clutch performances highlight the Warriors’ proven ability to perform under pressure.
On the other side, Jalen Green had a rough time in crunch time. He finished with 19 points, but his shooting faltered in the last five minutes, going 0-for-5 from the field. It highlighted just how much the Rockets’ young core, including Green, still needs to grow under playoff pressure. Alperen Şengun, though impressive with 26 points and 9 rebounds, struggled against the Warriors’ defense, especially Draymond’s pressure. Despite his efforts, the Rockets couldn’t capitalize on his strong performance, showing just how much more they need to learn in these high-stakes moments.
As the series unfolds, the Rockets will need to tap into their potential and learn from the tough challenge posed by Draymond and the Warriors. So, who do you think will come out on top in this debate?
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