Houston Rockets' Shooting Woes Doom Game 1 Against Golden State Warriors

The Houston Rockets' highly anticipated return to the NBA playoffs after a five-year absence ended with a disheartening 95-85 loss to the Golden State Warriors in Game 1 of their first-round series. The primary culprit? A shockingly poor shooting performance that plagued the Rockets throughout the night.

Star guards Fred VanVleet and Jalen Green combined for a paltry 7 of 34 from the field, a dismal shooting percentage that underscored Houston's offensive struggles. VanVleet's struggles were particularly evident, as he shot a frigid 2 for 13 from beyond the arc. The team as a whole struggled from three-point range, connecting on only 6 of 29 attempts. Free throw shooting also proved problematic, with Houston making only 11 of 20 attempts.

Despite the offensive woes, the Rockets managed to claw their way back into contention late in the fourth quarter. A late three-pointer by VanVleet brought Houston within four points with about two and a half minutes remaining. However, subsequent missed shots, including two more crucial three-point attempts by VanVleet, allowed the Warriors to pull away and secure the victory.

While the offensive struggles were undeniable, the Rockets found some solace in their superior performance on the offensive glass. Houston grabbed 22 offensive rebounds, compared to just six for Golden State. This tenacity allowed them to maintain competitiveness despite their shooting woes. The young team's ability to stay within striking distance despite a 23-point deficit in the third quarter was seen as a positive sign by coach Ime Udoka.

Alperen Sengun was the lone bright spot in the Rockets' offensive performance. He provided a much needed offensive spark, showcasing his offensive versatility, leading the team with 26 points and 9 rebounds. This marked a strong showing for a Rockets player making his playoff debut.

Despite the setback, both players and coaches expressed optimism about the team's future. VanVleet acknowledged the need for improved spacing and overall shooting efficiency, taking responsibility for his own below-par performance. Jabari Smith echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the team's collective effort and their ability to stay together even during tough moments. Coach Udoka emphasized the importance of not overreacting to the loss, particularly given the experience level of several key players on the team.

The Rockets will undoubtedly need to improve their shooting accuracy and offensive consistency if they hope to make a deep playoff run. However, the encouraging signs of resiliency and team unity offer a glimmer of hope for Houston moving forward in the series.