Fred VanVleet didn’t hold back when describing Steven Adams’ dominant presence in Houston Rockets‘ Game 6 victory over the Golden State Warriors. Following the 115-107 win that forced a decisive Game 7, VanVleet dubbed his teammate the “caveman of the modern NBA,” praising the veteran big man for his physicality, toughness, and sheer impact in an era dominated by speed, spacing, and finesse.
“Man, he’s the ultimate, man, he’s just an enforcer down there, like a big caveman in this era of small basketball, old big just roughing everybody up, man, he’s impacting us on another level, historical level honestly, made his free throws time.”
“We’re gonna play him until he dies out there. So, got to him some rest, get big fella back, get him hydrated, get him a big steak, and get him some sleep. We gotta do it again.”
It was a fitting tribute after Adams delivered arguably his best performance of the season when Houston needed him most. Coming off the bench, the 6-foot-11 center racked up 17 points on perfect 4-of-4 shooting, added five rebounds, three blocks, and even sank nine free throws, his most in any game this year.
The Rockets were a staggering +53 with Adams on the floor this series, compared to -39 when he sat, underscoring his enormous value to their postseason push.
In a playoff series where Golden State’s small-ball identity clashed with Houston’s newfound size and grit, Adams proved to be the difference-maker.
Tasked with handling Draymond Green, battling on the glass, protecting the rim, and setting bone-crushing screens for shooters, Adams thrived in his role as the throwback bruiser—an enforcer not seen often in today’s pace-and-space league.
Adams’ contributions went far beyond the box score. His presence in the paint helped neutralize Golden State’s interior offense, while his physicality seemed to wear down the Warriors over the course of the game. He challenged shots without fouling, boxed out relentlessly, and was a vocal anchor on defense.
It’s rare for a traditional center to thrive in today’s NBA, where switching defenses and stretch bigs are the norm.
But Adams, with his rugged style and deep playoff experience, has proven to be the perfect foil to the Warriors’ perimeter-heavy attack. In an age where many teams downsize for spacing, the Rockets have leaned into size and strength, and it’s working.
Adams has also become a beloved figure in Houston’s locker room. His no-nonsense attitude, willingness to do the dirty work, and veteran leadership have made him a cornerstone of the Rockets’ playoff identity. With Houston just one win away from advancing past the Warriors, his role in Game 7 looms as large as ever.
Fred VanVleet’s “caveman” comparison might sound tongue-in-cheek, but it captures the essence of what Adams brings to the table. In a league evolving toward finesse, he remains a throwback force, one with the power to shift a playoff series, one screen, one rebound, and one block at a time.
