NBA Playoffs: Rockets Rally to Force Game 6, Timberwolves Eliminate Lakers in 5

Tonight The Rockets Rally and Timberwolves Triumph

Houston Rockets 131, Golden State Warriors 116

Facing elimination at home, the Houston Rockets delivered one of their most complete performances of the NBA Playoffs. The starting 5 all went for double digit points putting in 101 of their 131. While the Warriors struggled so bad that their coach Steve Kerr simply gave up in the 3rd quarter down by 29 when he removed the starters and never had them return. This win forces a dramatic Game 6 back in San Francisco, where the Warriors look to hold court and end the series after being up 3–1. This would prevent the pivotal game 7 showdown in Houston that the Rockets are pushing for after recapturing some momentum in tonight's game 5.

In a post game interview Dillion Brooks seemed to confirm he is actively trying to target Steph Curry's injured thumb since he knows the injury location. Will this lead to anything more, players handling the matter on the court, or even the NBA moving to a nondescript NHL style injury report in an already highly scrutinized area of the game. We should find out no later than Friday when the teams tip off game 6 in The Bay with the Warriors still up 3-2 in the series.

Minnesota Timberwolves 103, Los Angeles Lakers 96

Then in the late game the Timberwolves wrapped up their first-round series against the Lakers with a gritty Game 5 win. Rudy Gobert led Minnesota with 27 points, but it was Minnesota’s defense that made the difference, holding Luka and LeBron to 28 and 21 respectively. They also capitalized on the Lakers bench lack of impact with 92 of LA's 96 points coming from the starters and only three bench players even seeing the court. The Wolves advance to Round 2 with a 4–1 series win.

Tomorrow The Knicks & Nuggets Look to Advance in the NBA Playoffs

New York Knicks @ Detroit Pistons – 4:30 PM PT

The Knicks lead the series 3–2 but are coming off a tough Game 5 loss where the Pistons leaned on Cade Cunningham’s 24 points to stay alive. Game 6 heads back to Detroit and the Knicks need Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle to get back on track after a cold-shooting night as New York hopes to avoid a Game 7 pressure cooker at Madison Square Garden.

Denver Nuggets @ LA Clippers – 7:00 PM PT

The Nuggets head into Game 6 with a 3–2 series lead, following a statement win in Game 5 where Nikola Jokić posted a triple-double, and Jamal Murray found his rhythm with 43 points. Back in LA the Clips are looking to once again even the series and force Game 7. This one could go down to the wire, with Denver’s championship experience possibly proving decisive.

Pregame Sports Bar Crawl: Las Vegas Edition

Experience the playoffs like never before with our Pregame Sports pub crawl in Las Vegas! Join fellow basketball fans for exclusive drink specials at some of the best sports bars around. It's the ultimate way to gear up for game night. Stay tuned for upcoming events coming soon!