The debate over the 2025 NBA Playoffs series between the Houston Rockets and the Golden State Warriors reignited after Rockets star Alperen Sengun criticized the Warriors for their physical approach and alleged complaining about missed foul calls. Sengun made the remarks during a recent podcast appearance, prompting a strong response from Draymond Green.
On the Socrates Dergi podcast, Sengun described the Warriors as a veteran squad that “fouled a lot,” highlighting that the referees allowed more physicality from the Warriors than usual in the playoffs.
They fouled a lot. In the playoffs, they don’t call it. But they were the ones crying all series about fouls not being called.
Sengun also shared how the Rockets coach, Ime Udoka, manages his team’s conduct with officials.
When it comes to us, we’re not really allowed to complain,
Sengun stated.
It’s more of an internal thing. Ime Udoka doesn’t allow it. He loses his mind if we complain.
After hearing Sengun’s comments, Draymond Green, who earned the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award in the past, reacted sharply on Threads, saying, “Hold that L,” directly addressing Sengun’s criticism of Golden State’s playoff behavior.
In that 2025 first-round series, the Warriors entered as underdogs. Golden State claimed the No. 7 seed after finishing with a 48-34 record and winning a Play-In Tournament game against the Memphis Grizzlies. The Rockets had homecourt advantage with a 52-30 regular season record, only trailing the eventual champions Oklahoma City Thunder in standings. Despite that, the Warriors dominated early, taking three of the first four games.
The Rockets fought back with consecutive victories in Games 5 and 6, setting the stage for a decisive Game 7 at Houston’s Toyota Center. Playing in hostile territory, the Warriors delivered a commanding 103-89 win to close out the series. Over the seven-game series, the Warriors were called for 150 personal fouls while the Rockets committed 124.
A look at the Warriors and Rockets playoff rivalry
Golden State and Houston have faced each other five times in NBA Playoffs history, with the Warriors prevailing in all series. Of the 30 total playoff games between the two teams, Golden State has won 20. Each of their last three postseason matchups extended to at least six games, demonstrating the competitive nature of their encounters.
One of the franchise’s most unforgettable clashes was in the Western Conference finals when the Warriors won Game 7 after the Rockets famously missed 27 straight three-point attempts. Following that victory, Golden State swept LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2018 NBA Finals, cementing their legacy.
The ongoing exchanges between players like Sengun and veterans such as Green emphasize the intensity and passion that define these playoff battles. As the rivalry continues, both teams and their fanbases remain engaged in conversations about toughness, refereeing, and competitive spirit, which are bound to influence future matchups.