The last two defeats, against the Mavericks and Wolves, slowed down the Rockets. Nevertheless, the Texans, currently in eleventh place in the Western Conference, managed to offer themselves a thrilling end to the season with eleven victories in a row, and a capital match, vital even, this Thursday evening against the Warriors.
Even if they refuse to make it the last chance match, they know that this meeting has particular importance since the Warriors occupy tenth place, the last qualifier for the “play-in”.
“Every game is important right now if we want to catch the Warriors. We are three matches behind,” recalls Jalen Green. “We can’t wait, that’s for sure. We want their place,” continues Cam Whitmore. “But the state of mind does not differ from previous matches. »
A victory and there is hope, a defeat and it is the abyss
However, it is indeed a turning point that presents itself for the Rockets. If they win, they will reduce the gap to two victories and put even more pressure on the Californians. If they lose, there will be a four-game gap. A chasm that we will have to try to fill in just six matches and, knowing that Golden State will have easy matches (Portland and Utah twice), and that the Warriors also have the tie-breaker between the two teams, it will probably be impossible to come back…
“I’m not going to say that there is more excitement than in the last matches,” also tempers Ime Udoka. “We were aware of the importance of the matches against Dallas and Minnesota, and we are for those of Golden State and Miami. Yes, the Warriors are ahead of us but these matches are all crucial. We have to do our part game after game, and there it is Golden State that is in front of us. »
For his part, Fred VanVleet speaks of a “meaningful match for different reasons”and a ” good experience “ for him and his teammates. But if the Rockets obviously don't want to put too much pressure on themselves in this single meeting, Draymond Green has taken it upon himself to do so.
“They have just lost two matches in a row and are three matches behind us, with seven matches to play, having lost the tie-breaker,” highlights the interiorGolden State having indeed won the first two duels between the two teams. “This match is an opportunity to end their season and their playoff hopes. »
