After the game, many NBA fans had the same reaction to VanVleet's unexpected surge, comparing him to some of the league's greats. Many fans noted similarities between another star player who refused to flinch in the face of a 3-1 playoff deficit to the Warriors.

Houston Rockets forward Amen Thompson has his shot blocked by Golden State Warriors forward Braxton Key (12) during the second half of Game 5 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series, Wednesday, April 30, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) AP

Fred VanVleet had 29 points, eight assists and eight rebounds, Alperen Sengun contributed 21 points and 14 rebounds, and the Rockets kept their season alive by beating the Warriors 115-107 on Friday night and forcing a deciding Game 7.