The Houston Rockets are about to take on the Golden State Warriors in the first round of the NBA playoffs, and it could be an explosive show for everyone tuning in.
Writing on X, NBA legend Magic Johnson had a lot to say about both teams.
He started by praising the Rockets, listing all of their star players who could make life hard for the Warriors.
“For the Golden State Warriors vs. Houston Rockets – there will be plenty of fireworks with the Houston Rockets! Nobody from the Warriors can stop Houston Center, Alperen Sengun. The Rockets are more athletic than Golden State led by Jalen Green, Amen Thompson, and Alperen Sengun – and Fred VanVleet is a NBA champion with plenty of Playoff experience,” Johnson said.
But he’s not discounting the Warriors, although he knows they’ll have to go beyond simply Steph Curry’s skills.
“Golden State with future Hall of Famer and the best shooter in the NBA Steph Curry are going to need playoff Jimmy Butler to also dominate, but who else will step up for the Warriors in this match up? I saw Brandin Podziemski score 28 points against my Lakers. If Jonathan Kuminga answers as the X factor, I’m thinking Warriors in 7,” Johnson concluded.
For the Golden State Warriors vs. Houston Rockets – there will be plenty of fireworks with the Houston Rockets! Nobody from the Warriors can stop Houston Center, Alperen Sengun. The Rockets are more athletic than Golden State led by Jalen Green, Amen Thompson, and Alperen Sengun…
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) April 18, 2025
The Warriors have clawed and scratched their way to the playoffs and some people fear they will be too beat up, too tired, and too old to make a big impact against the second-seed Rockets.
But people need to remember that the Warriors have a proven track record in the playoffs.
They know better than anyone how to navigate the postseason, even when others have counted them out.
They simply cannot be written off because the Warriors could surprise everyone again.
But the Rockets have shown that they are the real deal this year.
They are young and less experienced, yes, but their track record speaks for itself, and the Rockets are going to try to suffocate the Warriors on both ends of the court.
The Warriors have their work cut out for them, but Johnson believes they have a chance, as long as everyone shows up to play hard.
NEXT: Steve Kerr Reveals Honest Thoughts About Jonathan Kuminga's Reduced Role
