The Rockets, who extended the series to a sixth game with a 131-116 home win on Wednesday, seized control on Friday in the fourth quarter this time and will host the decisive match on Sunday.
Houston stayed alive by clamping down defensively in the final period.
VanVleet also keyed an offensive surge with a four-point play that opened the frame and extended the Rockets’ lead to 90-84.
The Warriors, after shooting 50 percent from the field and drilling seven 3-pointers in their 36-point third quarter, missed 13 consecutive shots in the fourth as the Rockets turned a 12-0 run into a 106-89 lead.
Sengun recorded a steal on Jimmy Butler III and fed VanVleet for a 3-pointer early in the rally.
“I think people, especially veterans, know the urgency of the playoffs, and it gets monotonous at times through the regular season,” Rockets coach Ime Udoka said while discussing VanVleet.
“Sometimes [they] pace themselves, save themselves for the right moment, and obviously, Fred came out not shooting his best.
“And he’s had some really good stretches lately. He knows what it is.
“He’s been a champion. Been there, done that. So wouldn’t expect anything less than that from him.”
Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 29 points, going six of 16 on 3-point tries, while Butler added 27 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. However, Golden State shot just 41.1 percent from the field and sank only 15 of 49 3-point attempts (30.6 percent).(Reuters)
