Rockets are just 48 minutes away from being able to recreate 2015 magic

The Houston Rockets dominated the Warriors in Game 5 to get back in this series. Amen Thompson’s elite defense played a key role in the team rushing out to a massive lead on their home floor. Things got a bit uncomfortable in the fourth, but the Rockets hung on to send the series back to the Bay Area.

Houston is still down 3-2 and needs more from Jalen Green, but they are the second seed for a reason. The Rockets have an elite defense and should not be counted out. If they win Game 6, the pressure will shift fully to Golden State, and Houston has been here before.

Rockets fans will remember the second round of their 2015 conference finals run. LA jumped out to a 3-1 lead in the Lob City era before James Harden and company stormed back to win in seven. It started with a home blowout in Game 5 just like Wednesday night.

Rockets can recreate 2015 magic with an upset in Game 6

Houston is just one win away from going home for Game 7. They will be favored after winning two straight if the Rockets can get it back to Space City. The Warriors will be feeling the pressure with an aging core. This is their last best chance against a young Houston team just getting started. A strong 48 minutes in Game 6 gives the Rockets a massive edge in the decider, but they need to get there first.

Harden and company were down 92-79 entering the fourth in Game 6 in Los Angeles, but it was a massive 40-point fourth quarter that lifted the Rockets to victory and swung the series. Corey Brewer exploded for 15 in the final 12 minutes, which matched the Clippers' total as Harden did not play a second. It was massive and just what Houston needs to repeat with Jalen Green struggling in this series.

It will be a massive contest on Friday night. Everyone expects Golden State to go home and close out this young squad. Everyone thought the same thing in 2015 when the Clippers had the Rockets on the ropes. Houston just needs 48 strong minutes to pull the upset.

They found plenty of success in Game 5. Ime Udoka will look to replicate that in the Bay Area, but it won’t be easy against a franchise that has won four championships since 2015.

This could be the start of an impressive Houston Rockets run. Things are shaping up just like they did ten years ago. Can they actually replicate the feat? Fans will be watching closely on Friday night. Do not rule out this group, and remember stranger things have happened.