The city of Houston is rallying behind its basketball team in a display of crimson spirit, as Mayor John Whitmire declares April 17 to be "Rockets Red Day." The Houston Rockets, now riding high on a standout 52-win season that landed them the number 2 seed in the critical Western Conference, are being shown support ahead of their first playoff appearance since 2020. In a statement obtained by Click2Houston, Gretchen Sheirr, Rockets President of Business Operations, accepted the mayoral proclamation alongside Rockets legends Elvin Hayes and Calvin Murphy.
In the meantime, the Rockets are preparing to host the Golden State Warriors in a playoff series that is set to tip off this coming Sunday. The Warriors have their own cause for celebration, having fought their way out of the play-in tournament with a win over the Memphis Grizzlies. Star player Stephen Curry and the new addition Jimmy Butler played hero for the team, with Butler scoring 68 points over two crucial games. According to ABC13, Curry articulated the significance of these games and their return to the postseason, saying, "Just a sense of relief that we have something to look forward to now."
The Rockets and Warriors are no strangers, facing each other for the fifth time in a playoff series with the Warriors historically coming out on top in all past encounters. Despite a brand-new Rockets lineup, this series promises to deliver an electric atmosphere, especially with memories of past championships in the minds of players. Jimmy Butler was alluded to his comeback performance, telling ABC13, "I feel like I can give any team, for sure this one, a chance to win. And they believe it. I believe it."
As the Rockets get ready for an exciting first playoff game, they’re giving fans a chance to grab special playoff gear. The "Gear up for Liftoff" event at the Toyota Center Team Shop features new playoff merchandise. A citywide pep rally at Kemah Boardwalk invites fans to join the fun and wear team colors, as per ABC13. On Thursday night, parts of Houston—like City Hall and the Ferris wheel at Downtown Aquarium—will light up red to show support for the team’s playoff run.
