Wednesday was win or go-home time for the Houston Rockets and the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Rockets took care of business first, defeating the Golden State Warriors 131-116 to force a Game 6. Houston jumped out to a 40-26 lead after the first quarter and held on for the crucial victory, even after Golden State's bench made it a 13-point game with 5:01 left.
Fred VanVleet led the Rockets with 26 points, while Amen Thompson had 25 points and five steals, becoming the first player with 25 points, 5 steals and 3 blocks in a playoff game since Charles Barkley in 1993.
Moses Moody led the Warriors with 19 points. Stephen Curry had just 13 points, the fewest by Curry in a series-clinching opportunity in his career. Game 6 will be Friday at Chase Center.
In the second matchup, the Minnesota Timberwolves closed out the Lakers 103-96 to advance to the Western Conference semifinals. Minnesota will play the winner of the Golden State Warriors-Houston Rockets series, looking to make its second straight conference finals.
Rudy Gobert dominated for the Timberwolves with a 27-point, 24-rebound performance. He is the second Timberwolves player with a 20-point, 20-rebound game in the playoffs, joining Kevin Garnett. Luka Doncic had 28 points, 9 assists and 7 rebounds to lead the Lakers.
Here are the highlights from each Game 5.
