Having covered international basketball tournaments across Asia for over a decade, I’ve seen firsthand how deeply the sport resonates in countries like the Philippines—where fans packed stadiums during the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, creating an electric atmosphere that reminded me why basketball is more than just a game. That same passion was palpable during Game 2 of the NBA playoff series between the Golden State Warriors and the Houston Rockets, a contest that wasn’t just about advancing in the playoffs but also about legacy, momentum, and moments that define careers. From my seat analyzing the game, a few sequences stood out as clear turning points, moments where the momentum swung decisively and never looked back.

The Warriors came into this game with a reputation for third-quarter explosions, and they didn’t disappoint. What struck me, though, was not just the run itself but how it was engineered. With about 7 minutes left in the third, the Rockets had clawed back to tie the game at 68-68, largely behind James Harden’s relentless drives. Then, in a span of just 90 seconds, the Warriors unleashed a 10-0 run that felt like a tidal wave. Stephen Curry, who’d been relatively quiet, sank back-to-back three-pointers—one from 28 feet, no less—and Draymond Green followed with a steal and a coast-to-coast layup that brought the home crowd to its feet. I’ve always believed that championship teams have a “switch” they can flip, and watching Curry in that stretch, you could see it happen. His body language shifted; he started communicating more on defense, and the ball movement became crisper. The Rockets, by contrast, seemed to freeze. They committed 3 turnovers in that quarter alone, and their offensive sets grew predictable. I’ve studied enough Rockets games to know that when their role players go cold—Eric Gordon shot just 2-of-8 from beyond the arc—their system tends to stagnate. That third-quarter swing wasn’t just about scoring; it was a psychological blow the Rockets never fully recovered from.

Another pivotal moment came early in the fourth quarter, with the Warriors holding a 9-point lead. The Rockets had cut it to 5 after a couple of free throws, and you could feel the tension building. Then, Klay Thompson, who finished with 24 points, hit what I consider the shot of the game: a contested three-pointer from the corner with the shot clock winding down. The defender was all over him, but Klay’s release was so pure it barely touched the net. As someone who’s watched Thompson evolve from a catch-and-shoot specialist into a clutch performer, that shot epitomized his value. It pushed the lead back to 8 and seemed to suck the life out of Houston’s comeback attempt. Statistically, the Warriors shot 48% from three-point range in this game, compared to the Rockets’ 34%, and that disparity was glaring in moments like these. But numbers alone don’t capture the timing. I’ve always argued that in playoff basketball, it’s not how many threes you make, but when you make them. The Warriors, with their core of Curry, Thompson, and Green, have built a dynasty on making shots when they matter most.

Defensively, the Warriors made subtle adjustments that paid huge dividends. After Game 1, where Harden torched them for 41 points, Steve Kerr switched up the coverage, using more frequent double-teams and forcing Harden into tougher passes. The result? Harden still put up 32 points, but he had 6 turnovers, and the Rockets’ offense often looked out of sync in half-court sets. I noticed Andrew Wiggins, in particular, stepping up his on-ball defense, holding Harden to just 2-of-7 shooting when matched up directly. As an analyst, I appreciate when coaching adjustments translate directly to on-court execution. The Warriors also dominated the boards, outrebounding the Rockets 48-42, with Kevon Looney grabbing 12 rebounds—5 of them offensive. Those second-chance opportunities led to 18 points, a stat that might seem minor but often decides close games. Personally, I think Looney is one of the most underrated players in the league; his positioning and hustle remind me of Dennis Rodman in his prime, though with less flair.

Looking back, the final score of 115-109 doesn’t fully reflect how the Warriors controlled the game’s tempo after the third quarter. The Rockets had their chances—like when they trimmed the lead to 4 with under two minutes left—but critical mistakes, including a costly traveling violation by Harden, sealed their fate. From my perspective, this game highlighted the Warriors’ experience and the Rockets’ lingering inconsistency. Golden State’s ball movement resulted in 28 assists, while Houston managed only 19, a telling difference in team chemistry. As the series shifts to Houston for Game 3, the Rockets will need more from their bench and better decision-making in crunch time. For the Warriors, maintaining this level of intensity could propel them toward another deep playoff run. In the end, games like this remind me why basketball captivates fans from Manila to the Bay Area—it’s a blend of strategy, skill, and those unforgettable moments that leave us talking long after the final buzzer.