Rockets defeat Warriors 131-116, force Game 6

The Houston Rockets avoided elimination with a commanding 131-116 win over the Golden State Warriors in Game 5 of their first-round playoff series, narrowing the series deficit to 3-2. Fred VanVleet led with 26 points while Amen Thompson contributed 25 points, 6 rebounds, 5 steals, and 3 blocks, setting a defensive tone that disrupted the Warriors' offense and limited Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler to a combined 21 points. All five Houston starters scored in double figures, and Dillon Brooks was instrumental both offensively and defensively, particularly in shutting down Butler. Golden State's bench provided a franchise playoff record 76 points, with Moses Moody scoring 25, but their starters struggled significantly. The game included a late altercation resulting in Pat Spencer's ejection for headbutting Alperen Sengun, but Houston responded with a decisive run to seal the victory. The series now shifts to San Francisco for Game 6, with the Rockets aiming to become one of the few teams in NBA history to overcome a 3-1 series deficit.