Michael Scotto: Ime Udoka on Fred VanVleet’s future: “I think both sides want to be here & want him here… He’s a huge part of our growth. Love everything he’s done. Perfect combo of on & off ball for our guards & young guys to grow. I’d love to have him back, & I think the feeling’s mutual.” pic.x.com/5Z7aHEctUJ
Source: Twitter @MikeAScotto
Source: Twitter @MikeAScotto
What’s the buzz on Twitter?
Michael Scotto @MikeAScotto
Ime Udoka on Fred VanVleet’s future: “I think both sides want to be here & want him here… He’s a huge part of our growth. Love everything he’s done. Perfect combo of on & off ball for our guards & young guys to grow. I’d love to have him back, & I think the feeling’s mutual.” pic.x.com/5Z7aHEctUJ – 11:41 PM
Ime Udoka on Fred VanVleet’s future: “I think both sides want to be here & want him here… He’s a huge part of our growth. Love everything he’s done. Perfect combo of on & off ball for our guards & young guys to grow. I’d love to have him back, & I think the feeling’s mutual.” pic.x.com/5Z7aHEctUJ – 11:41 PM
Michael C. Wright @mikecwright
Ime Udoka said the Rockets would love to have Fred VanVleet back next season. – 11:27 PM
Ime Udoka said the Rockets would love to have Fred VanVleet back next season. – 11:27 PM
David Hardisty @clutchfans
Ime Udoka said the Rockets “laid an egg” in Game 7.
“It’s going to sting for a minute.” – 11:22 PM
Ime Udoka said the Rockets “laid an egg” in Game 7.
“It’s going to sting for a minute.” – 11:22 PM
Anthony Slater @anthonyVslater
Draymond Green greeting Alperen Sengun, Fred VanVleet, Ime Udoka, Amen Thompson and Steven Adams after the series. Pretty friendly postgame scene in Houston. pic.x.com/oc4zSGmKRD – 11:13 PM
Draymond Green greeting Alperen Sengun, Fred VanVleet, Ime Udoka, Amen Thompson and Steven Adams after the series. Pretty friendly postgame scene in Houston. pic.x.com/oc4zSGmKRD – 11:13 PM
Marcus Thompson @ThompsonScribe
Think the Rockets just blew their challenge. Ime called for the replay just as the video board showed it clearly go off FVV’s knee – 10:06 PM
Think the Rockets just blew their challenge. Ime called for the replay just as the video board showed it clearly go off FVV’s knee – 10:06 PM
Marcus Thompson @ThompsonScribe
Jimmy Butler walks back to the bench tapping his chest, as if to say “my bad.” He got the ball taken trying to post up FVV – 10:01 PM
Jimmy Butler walks back to the bench tapping his chest, as if to say “my bad.” He got the ball taken trying to post up FVV – 10:01 PM
Marcus Thompson @ThompsonScribe
Draymond gets a technical foul for his whack of Fred VanVleet – 9:33 PM
Draymond gets a technical foul for his whack of Fred VanVleet – 9:33 PM
David Hardisty @clutchfans
Starting lineups for Game 7:
Houston Rockets
G – Fred VanVleet
G – Jalen Green
F – Dillon Brooks
F – Amen Thompson
C – Alperen Şengün
Golden State Warriors
G – Steph Curry
G – Brandin Podziemski
F – Buddy Hield
F – Jimmy Butler
C – Draymond Green playback.tv/clutchfans?s=9… – 8:01 PM
Starting lineups for Game 7:
Houston Rockets
G – Fred VanVleet
G – Jalen Green
F – Dillon Brooks
F – Amen Thompson
C – Alperen Şengün
Golden State Warriors
G – Steph Curry
G – Brandin Podziemski
F – Buddy Hield
F – Jimmy Butler
C – Draymond Green playback.tv/clutchfans?s=9… – 8:01 PM
Marc J. Spears @MarcJSpears
“’Stay focused. One more. We ain’t did s— yet. One more,’ ” Rockets vet Fred VanVleet to @andscape on what he told his teammates. VanVleet talks about the evolution of his leadership, Game 7 and more entering the deciding playoff game against the Warriors. bit.ly/4k2Ldks – 5:10 PM
“’Stay focused. One more. We ain’t did s— yet. One more,’ ” Rockets vet Fred VanVleet to @andscape on what he told his teammates. VanVleet talks about the evolution of his leadership, Game 7 and more entering the deciding playoff game against the Warriors. bit.ly/4k2Ldks – 5:10 PM
Sam Amick @sam_amick
Gregg Popovich won’t be happy with Ime Udoka for sharing this story about his softer side, and how he reacted when his protege got his first head coaching job, but I’m glad he did.
Much more here on the Pop influence in Warriors-Rockets, at @TheAthletic pic.x.com/dvJ3P5SQKQ – 3:16 PM
Gregg Popovich won’t be happy with Ime Udoka for sharing this story about his softer side, and how he reacted when his protege got his first head coaching job, but I’m glad he did.
Much more here on the Pop influence in Warriors-Rockets, at @TheAthletic pic.x.com/dvJ3P5SQKQ – 3:16 PM
Sam Amick @sam_amick
Ime Udoka still planned on playing for a few years when he ran into Gregg Popovich at Vegas summer league in 2012. The rest is history.
On the Pop influence in this Warriors-Rockets series, at @TheAthletic
nytimes.com/athletic/63316… pic.x.com/ogn4aZJMyM – 2:03 PM
Ime Udoka still planned on playing for a few years when he ran into Gregg Popovich at Vegas summer league in 2012. The rest is history.
On the Pop influence in this Warriors-Rockets series, at @TheAthletic
nytimes.com/athletic/63316… pic.x.com/ogn4aZJMyM – 2:03 PM
Marc J. Spears @MarcJSpears
Houston #Rockets veteran guard Fred VanVleet expects his team to rise to the occasion in Game 7. The 2019 #NBA champion is leading these young Rockets ahead of a decisive first-round matchup against Golden State and talks leadership. #NBAPlayoffs bit.ly/4k2Ldks – 11:26 AM
Houston #Rockets veteran guard Fred VanVleet expects his team to rise to the occasion in Game 7. The 2019 #NBA champion is leading these young Rockets ahead of a decisive first-round matchup against Golden State and talks leadership. #NBAPlayoffs bit.ly/4k2Ldks – 11:26 AM
Sam Amick @sam_amick
On Gregg Popovich, his massive influence on the coaches in this Rockets-Warriors series, and the “pointers” he gave Ime Udoka on Friday that helped stretch it to tonight’s Game 7, at @TheAthletic
nytimes.com/athletic/63316… – 11:25 AM
On Gregg Popovich, his massive influence on the coaches in this Rockets-Warriors series, and the “pointers” he gave Ime Udoka on Friday that helped stretch it to tonight’s Game 7, at @TheAthletic
nytimes.com/athletic/63316… – 11:25 AM
Adam Wexler @AdamJWexler
#Rockets Fred VanVleet has made 18-27 3pt FG in the last 3 games while averaging 27 ppg. #Warriors Draymond Green says he’s not surprised by VanVleet’s performance, “Fred VanVleet is the reason we lost to Toronto in the finals.” Game 7 is Sunday night. #NBA #NBAPlayoffs #LiftOff pic.x.com/VIUNnzU3SK – 9:10 AM
#Rockets Fred VanVleet has made 18-27 3pt FG in the last 3 games while averaging 27 ppg. #Warriors Draymond Green says he’s not surprised by VanVleet’s performance, “Fred VanVleet is the reason we lost to Toronto in the finals.” Game 7 is Sunday night. #NBA #NBAPlayoffs #LiftOff pic.x.com/VIUNnzU3SK – 9:10 AM
David Hardisty @clutchfans
In the last three games of the series, Fred VanVleet is averaging 26.7 ppg and 5.3 assists, hitting 18-27 from three and 16-16 from the line.
His true shooting percentage is 86.9%. pic.x.com/5EgNAi7zP4 – 3:15 AM
In the last three games of the series, Fred VanVleet is averaging 26.7 ppg and 5.3 assists, hitting 18-27 from three and 16-16 from the line.
His true shooting percentage is 86.9%. pic.x.com/5EgNAi7zP4 – 3:15 AM
Anthony Slater @anthonyVslater
Both Draymond Green and Steve Kerr identified that start of 4Q VanVleet and-1 3 as a vital part of the loss. Came on an inbound mix up.
Green: “You lose the life.”
Kerr: “That’s on us as a staff.” pic.x.com/4LLQ68SRMp – 12:47 AM
Both Draymond Green and Steve Kerr identified that start of 4Q VanVleet and-1 3 as a vital part of the loss. Came on an inbound mix up.
Green: “You lose the life.”
Kerr: “That’s on us as a staff.” pic.x.com/4LLQ68SRMp – 12:47 AM
NBA on ESPN @ESPNNBA
“We gotta get him some rest … get him hydrated [and] get him a big steak.”
Fred VanVleet has a very specific recovery formula in mind for Steven Adams 😂 pic.x.com/79ig4psux1 – 12:37 AM
“We gotta get him some rest … get him hydrated [and] get him a big steak.”
Fred VanVleet has a very specific recovery formula in mind for Steven Adams 😂 pic.x.com/79ig4psux1 – 12:37 AM
Jonathan Feigen @Jonathan_Feigen
Great, gutsy, tough win for the Rockets. While considering Adams’ impact (along with FVV’s,) consider not just that the Rockets stole him for two 2nds, but also how he and they carefully built him back up from where he was physically to start the season to this. – 12:00 AM
Great, gutsy, tough win for the Rockets. While considering Adams’ impact (along with FVV’s,) consider not just that the Rockets stole him for two 2nds, but also how he and they carefully built him back up from where he was physically to start the season to this. – 12:00 AM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
It’s kinda funny how so many of the key Rockets in this series are old Warriors playoff foes.
Steven Adams one of the key figures in the 2016 Draymond controversies.
Fred VanVleet having a baby and then never missing a shot in 2019.
Ime Udoka coaching against them in 2022. – 11:57 PM
It’s kinda funny how so many of the key Rockets in this series are old Warriors playoff foes.
Steven Adams one of the key figures in the 2016 Draymond controversies.
Fred VanVleet having a baby and then never missing a shot in 2019.
Ime Udoka coaching against them in 2022. – 11:57 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Fred VanVleet last three games:
29 PTS | 6 3P
26 PTS | 4 3P
25 PTS | 8 3P
More points and threes than Steph. pic.x.com/uujBjbKKuN – 11:51 PM
Fred VanVleet last three games:
29 PTS | 6 3P
26 PTS | 4 3P
25 PTS | 8 3P
More points and threes than Steph. pic.x.com/uujBjbKKuN – 11:51 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Guard battle tonight:
VanVleet — Steph —
29 PTS 29 PTS
8 REB 7 REB
8 AST 2 AST
6-9 3P 6-16 3P pic.x.com/uAaDE97cLa – 11:49 PM
Guard battle tonight:
VanVleet — Steph —
29 PTS 29 PTS
8 REB 7 REB
8 AST 2 AST
6-9 3P 6-16 3P pic.x.com/uAaDE97cLa – 11:49 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Fun Fact: Fred VanVleet has the best record (7-5) by any guard in NBA history vs Steph Curry in the playoffs (min. 10 games) pic.x.com/kkhcLd3tU9 – 11:46 PM
Fun Fact: Fred VanVleet has the best record (7-5) by any guard in NBA history vs Steph Curry in the playoffs (min. 10 games) pic.x.com/kkhcLd3tU9 – 11:46 PM
Sam Vecenie @Sam_Vecenie
Everyone loves the kids in Houston but this is a good old fashioned vet show for them with Steven Adams and Fred VanVleet being the key guys today. Fred’s just drilling everything and Adams has been a monster on defense inside. – 11:27 PM
Everyone loves the kids in Houston but this is a good old fashioned vet show for them with Steven Adams and Fred VanVleet being the key guys today. Fred’s just drilling everything and Adams has been a monster on defense inside. – 11:27 PM
David Hardisty @clutchfans
This Rockets defense has been stifling all game. Warriors constantly struggle to find scoring options. Fred VanVleet has put up his third straight lights-out shooting night and Steven Adams has made himself a ton of money. – 11:25 PM
This Rockets defense has been stifling all game. Warriors constantly struggle to find scoring options. Fred VanVleet has put up his third straight lights-out shooting night and Steven Adams has made himself a ton of money. – 11:25 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
Fred VanVleet has made 24 3s in this series.
He has attempted 24 2s.
The universe is in balance. – 11:25 PM
Fred VanVleet has made 24 3s in this series.
He has attempted 24 2s.
The universe is in balance. – 11:25 PM
Josh Lewenberg @JLew1050
VanVleet in 2019 East Finals vs Bucks:
Games 1-3: 2-11 3P
Games 4-6: 14-17 3P
FVV in 2019 Finals vs Warriors:
Games 1-3: 6-18 3P
Games 4-6: 10-22 3P
FVV in this series:
Games 1-3: 6-29 3P
Games 4-6: 17-26 3P (5-for-8 tonight) – 11:21 PM
VanVleet in 2019 East Finals vs Bucks:
Games 1-3: 2-11 3P
Games 4-6: 14-17 3P
FVV in 2019 Finals vs Warriors:
Games 1-3: 6-18 3P
Games 4-6: 10-22 3P
FVV in this series:
Games 1-3: 6-29 3P
Games 4-6: 17-26 3P (5-for-8 tonight) – 11:21 PM
Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBA
Really weird mixup by the Warriors in their zone at the start of the quarter. Payton was pressuring, Steph was in a spot in the zone, saw FVV go behind him to the corner, expected Gary to get all the way there, and he committed the foul for the 4-point play. – 11:14 PM
Really weird mixup by the Warriors in their zone at the start of the quarter. Payton was pressuring, Steph was in a spot in the zone, saw FVV go behind him to the corner, expected Gary to get all the way there, and he committed the foul for the 4-point play. – 11:14 PM
Zach Lowe @ZachLowe_NBA
Steve Kerr b/w quarters interview talking about “back to basics, defend without fouling” — immediate cut to FVV inexplicably getting loose for a 4-point play 6 seconds into 4Q. Incredible breakdown by the veteran team, and Houston keeps making plays when they need them. – 11:12 PM
Steve Kerr b/w quarters interview talking about “back to basics, defend without fouling” — immediate cut to FVV inexplicably getting loose for a 4-point play 6 seconds into 4Q. Incredible breakdown by the veteran team, and Houston keeps making plays when they need them. – 11:12 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Rockets defense is getting cracked as this game goes along.
This is pretty much coming down to Rockets being able to rely on Fred VanVleet and not turn the ball over – 11:09 PM
Rockets defense is getting cracked as this game goes along.
This is pretty much coming down to Rockets being able to rely on Fred VanVleet and not turn the ball over – 11:09 PM
Stephen Noh @StephNoh
Steven Adams sealing Quinten Post to open up the lane for VanVleet while also putting himself in perfect position to grab the rebound in the event of a miss. Master of the big man dark arts. pic.x.com/NsaYWEc9Hl – 11:05 PM
Steven Adams sealing Quinten Post to open up the lane for VanVleet while also putting himself in perfect position to grab the rebound in the event of a miss. Master of the big man dark arts. pic.x.com/NsaYWEc9Hl – 11:05 PM
Kendrick Perkins @KendrickPerkins
Like I said VanVleet is too comfortable. Somebody needs to shut that water off – 10:59 PM
Like I said VanVleet is too comfortable. Somebody needs to shut that water off – 10:59 PM
Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBA
Steven Adams Gortat screen on the FVV drive. The Black Hole @johnhollinger – 10:58 PM
Steven Adams Gortat screen on the FVV drive. The Black Hole @johnhollinger – 10:58 PM
Michael C. Wright @mikecwright
Over his last three games in this series, Fred VanVleet is 16-23 from 3-point range. That ties for the most made 3’s in a three-game span in franchise postseason history. – 10:55 PM
Over his last three games in this series, Fred VanVleet is 16-23 from 3-point range. That ties for the most made 3’s in a three-game span in franchise postseason history. – 10:55 PM
Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBA
Podz missed the shot, took one second to turn to the ref as he was running back and couldn’t get in front of FVV in transition. Those are the little things it takes in this game. – 10:50 PM
Podz missed the shot, took one second to turn to the ref as he was running back and couldn’t get in front of FVV in transition. Those are the little things it takes in this game. – 10:50 PM
NBA on ESPN @ESPNNBA
Fred VanVleet in the first three games of the series vs. the last three 🚀 pic.x.com/RsO7iknV04 – 10:49 PM
Fred VanVleet in the first three games of the series vs. the last three 🚀 pic.x.com/RsO7iknV04 – 10:49 PM
Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBA
Big mistake here by Kerr not putting Podz in for Payton. Podz is good vs the zone, and Payton can’t be a screener against the zone. Payton also hasn’t been particularly effective on FVV, gave up a 3 and just fouled him off the ball. – 10:43 PM
Big mistake here by Kerr not putting Podz in for Payton. Podz is good vs the zone, and Payton can’t be a screener against the zone. Payton also hasn’t been particularly effective on FVV, gave up a 3 and just fouled him off the ball. – 10:43 PM
Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBA
Very dubious foul call in favor of FVV. Kerr saving his challenges, thought he could have taken one there. – 10:35 PM
Very dubious foul call in favor of FVV. Kerr saving his challenges, thought he could have taken one there. – 10:35 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Fred VanVleet only Rocket in double figures
But all nine Rockets have a bucket, and Golden State has been allergic to the paint – 10:22 PM
Fred VanVleet only Rocket in double figures
But all nine Rockets have a bucket, and Golden State has been allergic to the paint – 10:22 PM
Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBA
Rare miscue from Draymond Green, went for a trap against FVV on the sideline, then didn’t sprint back into the play and was late getting to Adams on the rotation off the Sengun pass for a dunk – 9:50 PM
Rare miscue from Draymond Green, went for a trap against FVV on the sideline, then didn’t sprint back into the play and was late getting to Adams on the rotation off the Sengun pass for a dunk – 9:50 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Payton started and FVV still got himself an 8-point first quarter. Pretty sure Rockets will take VanVleet outscoring Steph – 9:46 PM
Payton started and FVV still got himself an 8-point first quarter. Pretty sure Rockets will take VanVleet outscoring Steph – 9:46 PM
David Hardisty @clutchfans
Starting lineup for Game 6
Houston Rockets
G – Fred VanVleet
G – Jalen Green
F – Dillon Brooks
F – Amen Thompson
C – Alperen Şengün
Golden State Warriors
G – Steph Curry
G – Buddy Hield
F – Gary Payton II
F – Jimmy Butler
C – Draymond Green – 8:32 PM
Starting lineup for Game 6
Houston Rockets
G – Fred VanVleet
G – Jalen Green
F – Dillon Brooks
F – Amen Thompson
C – Alperen Şengün
Golden State Warriors
G – Steph Curry
G – Buddy Hield
F – Gary Payton II
F – Jimmy Butler
C – Draymond Green – 8:32 PM
Michael C. Wright @mikecwright
Ime Udoka said Pop hit him earlier today with some words of wisdom. pic.x.com/WJqL1ei81Q – 7:34 PM
Ime Udoka said Pop hit him earlier today with some words of wisdom. pic.x.com/WJqL1ei81Q – 7:34 PM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Ime Udoka has the same shirt that Steve Kerr wore at his presser. pic.x.com/NocGCQ5qkA – 7:32 PM
Ime Udoka has the same shirt that Steve Kerr wore at his presser. pic.x.com/NocGCQ5qkA – 7:32 PM
More on this storyline
Adam Wexler: #Rockets HC Ime Udoka before tonight’s game 7, “(Fred) got really good looks in the 1st 2 games, (in the last 3 games) he’s made those shots. He understands they’re taking out Jalen, it’s given him a little more space to operate.” #LiftOff pic.x.com/ZTbrvPt25H -via Twitter @AdamJWexler / May 4, 2025
“We’ve been experimenting with some things in the zone and having the bigs on the back line and then just morphing and flying around,” Rockets guard Fred VanVleet said. “Half the time we don’t even know what the hell we’re doing out there. I’m sure it’s hard to game plan against. But just flying around, having effort, being physical and we know the guys that we want to limit their touches and their shots, make it tough on them, come up with a rebound.” -via Houston Chronicle / May 4, 2025
Who was the best leader you learned from when you played previously for the Toronto Raptors and ultimately won a title in 2019? Fred VanVleet: Obviously, Kyle [Lowry]. He had a different way of doing things. So, I try to take as much good as I can and leave the bad. And [Raptors vice chairman and president] Masai [Ujiri] was also a great leader that I studied. It’s different. It’s not like in the locker room, but I watched him lead the organization and just watched him on a daily basis. So, I give both of those guys credit and I stole as much as I could from them. I try to learn from anybody. I watch everybody. -via Andscape / May 4, 2025