'Rockets force Game 7 as 'calm, steady' Fred VanVleet delivers'

Known for his championship pedigree and calm demeanor, VanVleet showed once again why he’s one of the most trusted guards in the league. His ability to slow down the tempo, manage the offense, and make the right decisions under pressure helped Houston stay composed even as their opponent made multiple runs.

“He doesn’t panic,” said Rockets head coach Ime Udoka. “That calmness spreads to the rest of the team. When the game gets tight, Fred doesn’t flinch.”

It wasn’t just his scoring that stood out. VanVleet’s defense on the perimeter disrupted passing lanes and limited the opposition’s ability to find rhythm in the half-court. He also hit two clutch threes in the fourth quarter, including one that extended the Rockets' lead to seven with under three minutes remaining—a backbreaker for the opposing team.

For a Rockets squad filled with rising young talent, VanVleet has become the Steadying forc. His leadership, both vocal and by example, is exactly what Houston needed in a must-win situation. With Game 7 on the horizon, the team’s confidence is rising—and a lot of that has to do with the guy wearing No. 23.

Game 7 now looms as a winner-takes-all battle. If Fred VanVleet can stay true to his calm, steady nature, the Rockets might just complete the comeback and write the next chapter of an incredible postseason story.