The Houston Rockets' playoff hopes hit a stumbling block in their first home game in six years, losing 95-85 to the Golden State Warriors. The team’s backcourt, consisting of Jalen Green and Fred VanVleet, faced harsh criticism for their lackluster performance. Green, who averaged 21 points per game in the regular season, could only muster seven points on 3-of-15 shooting, while VanVleet finished with 10 points on a dismal 4-of-19 shooting night. With 16 turnovers, their inefficiency was a stark contrast to the Warriors' experience and execution.

Charles Barkley emphasized that the struggles of VanVleet and Green were not due to coaching but stemmed from their performance on the court. The Rockets' young roster lacked playoff experience, with only one player, Jeff Green, having significant playoff experience. Shaquille O'Neal noted that the youth of the team would have to endure growing pains before achieving success, suggesting that the pressure of playoffs is often unfamiliar to younger players. Conversely, Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 31 points, showcasing the importance of experience in high-stakes scenarios.