Wednesday was win or go-home time for the Houston Rockets and the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Rockets took care of business first, defeating the Golden State Warriors 131-116 to force a Game 6. Houston jumped out to a 40-26 lead after the first quarter and held on for the crucial victory, even after Golden State’s bench made it a 13-point game with 5:01 left.
Fred VanVleet led the Rockets with 26 points, while Amen Thompson had 25 points and five steals, becoming the first player with 25 points, 5 steals and 3 blocks in a playoff game since Charles Barkley in 1993.
Moses Moody led the Warriors with 19 points. Stephen Curry had just 13 points, the fewest by Curry in a series-clinching opportunity in his career. Game 6 will be Friday at Chase Center.
In the second matchup, the Minnesota Timberwolves closed out the Lakers 103-96 to advance to the Western Conference semifinals. Minnesota will play the winner of the Golden State Warriors–Houston Rockets series, looking to make its second straight conference finals.
Rudy Gobert dominated for the Timberwolves with a 27-point, 24-rebound performance. He is the second Timberwolves player with a 20-point, 20-rebound game in the playoffs, joining Kevin Garnett. Luka Doncic had 28 points, 9 assists and 7 rebounds to lead the Lakers.
Here are the highlights from each Game 5.