Draymond Green's pivotal role as an enforcer for the Golden State Warriors has come to the forefront in their first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets. Despite often being overshadowed by stars like Stephen Curry, Green's presence is felt significantly. His strategic technical foul during Game 3 was a calculated move designed to ignite his team, proving that sometimes, the emotional spark is as vital as physical prowess in basketball.

In the heat of the game, with the Warriors trailing, Green's actions reminded everyone of the importance of mental fortitude. Following the technical foul, the Warriors surged ahead, showcasing the impact of Green's leadership on both ends of the court. His versatile stats from the game, including points, rebounds, and defensive plays, further underline his all-around value, especially at 35 years old.

The Golden State Warriors emerged victorious against the Houston Rockets, securing a 104-93 win to take a 2-1 lead in the Western Conference playoffs. Stephen Curry led the charge with a stunning 36-point performance, further solidifying his place among NBA greats as the 10th-leading scorer in playoff history. The physicality of the game was evident, with both teams combining for 38 fouls, showcasing the intensity of the series.

Notably, a controversial no-call against Dillon Brooks in the first quarter after he made contact with Curry on a three-point attempt sparked significant debate among fans and commentators alike. The decision not to award Curry the foul drew ire, with many claiming it was a blatant miss by the officials. This incident framed the ensuing physicality throughout the game, contributing to the drama of the playoff series.

Houston Rockets' Amen Thompson is under scrutiny after a hard foul that injured Golden State Warriors’ Jimmy Butler III during Game 2 of their playoff series. Critics have branded Thompson a dirty player, but teammate Dillon Brooks defended him, attributing the incident to a normal basketball play. Brooks remarked that Draymond Green's push was more questionable, asserting Thompson's innocence.

Butler was deemed questionable for Game 3 due to a pelvic injury, further complicating the series tied at one game apiece. Coaches from both teams, including Steve Kerr and Ime Udoka, echoed Brooks' sentiments, emphasizing that Thompson's actions were not intentional. This incident has sparked discussions about the fine line between aggressive play and dirty tactics, especially as both teams navigate the high stakes of playoff basketball.

ESPN's projection for the 2025 NBA playoffs highlights three Houston Rockets players—Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, and Dillon Brooks—as key impactful figures, placing them among the league's top 50. With the Rockets securing the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, their depth will be crucial in their playoff run against the No. 7 Golden State Warriors.

All-Star center Sengun is noted for his strong performances against the Warriors, while Thompson's defensive skills will be tested against Stephen Curry. Brooks has a history with the Warriors, which adds intensity to the matchup. Despite not making the top 50, leading scorer Jalen Green and highest-paid player Fred VanVleet will play pivotal roles in leveraging Houston's depth to combat the Warriors' stars.

The NBA playoffs are set to kick off with an unprecedented number of Canadian players in the mix. This season, 25 Canadians graced the league, and several standouts are poised to make significant impacts in the postseason. Leading the charge is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, whose remarkable scoring ability netted him an average of 32.7 points per game, placing him at the top of the league. His performance has been integral to the Oklahoma City Thunder's impressive 68-14 record, and he is a strong contender for the MVP title.

Other notable players include Luguentz Dort, who may not have flashy stats but is crucial to the Thunder's top defensive ranking. Jamal Murray, returning from injury, will be a player to watch given his playoff experience. Dillon Brooks has been vital in the Houston Rockets’ successful season, while young gun Bennedict Mathurin’s contributions will be necessary for the Indiana Pacers if they want to cause an upset.