The Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors have rekindled their fierce rivalry as the 2025 NBA season approaches. This rivalry, fueled by key matchups and star player movements, gained new momentum during last season’s playoffs, where the Warriors eliminated the Rockets in the first round. Draymond Green’s recent remarks have further intensified the competitive atmosphere between these teams.
Historic Rivalry Shaped by Star Players and Playoff Battles
The rivalry dates back to the era when James Harden led Houston with remarkable scoring ability, while the Warriors, anchored by Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson, repeatedly blocked Houston’s path to the NBA Finals. Kevin Durant’s tenure on both teams adds another compelling layer, as he was part of the Warriors’ setup before joining the Rockets. Their past playoff clashes set the stage for ongoing competition between the franchises.
Comments That Fueled the Competitive Fire
Alperen Sengun, the Rockets’ rising star, did not hold back his thoughts on Golden State in a recent interview with Socrates Dergi. Sengun criticized the Warriors’ physical style and approach to fouls during their playoff series. He stated,
“They’re a very experienced team, And 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.”
—Alperen Sengun, Rockets Star
These remarks quickly reached Green, who seized the opportunity to respond both on social media and through his platform. Green’s reputation as a defender who never shies away from confrontation surfaced in his reply that challenged Sengun’s criticism.
“Hold that L, That’s a tough thing to say after you lose… You have to win to stuff like that,”
Green wrote.
Team Improvements Poised to Raise the Stakes Next Season
Both teams are now preparing for an intense 2025-26 campaign. The Warriors strengthened their roster last season by acquiring forward Jimmy Butler, a move that was instrumental in their playoff success. Meanwhile, the Rockets have made significant upgrades to their lineup, with Durant joining as a critical offensive weapon alongside Sengun. Furthermore, Houston added key role players like Dorian Finney-Smith and Clint Capela in free agency, while securing vital contributors Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams with new contracts.
Heading into the new season, the Rockets see themselves as strong contenders, their ambitions reflected in their opening night game against the defending champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Warriors, led by Curry, remain formidable but may still be in the process of solidifying themselves as top-tier contenders once again.
Upcoming Matchups Set to Show Rivalry’s Next Chapter
The Rockets will begin their preseason against the Atlanta Hawks on October 6, signaling the start of high-stakes competition that will bring this rivalry back to the forefront. Fans and analysts alike anticipate intense encounters between these two teams, driven by recent developments and personal duels among players like Green and Sengun.