The Houston Rockets defeated the Golden State Warriors 106-96 on Sunday night, snapping the Warriors’ five-game win streak. Alperen Sengun delivered a standout performance with 19 points and 14 rebounds, while Dillon Brooks added 24 points. The win marked a significant achievement for the Rockets, who have climbed to second place in the Western Conference standings with only three games remaining. The Warriors, despite a solid effort from Buddy Hield and Brandin Podziemski, struggled as Stephen Curry had an uncharacteristic night, scoring only three points.
Rockets’ Strong Performance in Key Win
The Rockets’ victory was a much-needed rebound after a difficult stretch and saw key contributions from their young stars. Sengun’s double-double helped fuel the offense, while Jalen Green scored 21 points. Jabari Smith Jr. made his return from an ankle injury, coming off the bench to add 16 points. Houston’s win was especially impressive as it marked the end of a seven-game losing streak at the Warriors’ home court.
Curry’s Struggles Lead to Unusual Performance
Stephen Curry had one of his worst shooting performances of the season, finishing with just three points on 1-for-10 shooting. His struggles were particularly evident from behind the three-point line, where he missed seven of his eight attempts. This was the lowest point total for Curry in a game where he was fully healthy. His previous low for the season came in December, when he scored just two points against Memphis after suffering a pelvic contusion.
Despite Curry’s shooting woes, he contributed with seven assists in the first half, helping his teammates create opportunities. However, the Warriors were unable to capitalize on his playmaking due to a lack of scoring from their star player.
Warriors’ Supporting Cast Keeps the Game Close
Buddy Hield led the Warriors with 20 points, while Brandin Podziemski added 19 points. The two guards did their best to keep the game competitive, but without Curry firing on all cylinders, Golden State struggled to maintain offensive momentum.
Key Moment: Flagrant Foul on Draymond Green
A crucial moment in the game came early in the second half. With 9:57 left in the third quarter, Draymond Green attempted a forceful driving layup but collided with Sengun. Officials reviewed the play and determined that Green’s contact with Sengun’s head warranted a Flagrant 1 foul. This was Green’s fifth personal foul, which ultimately forced him to the bench for the remainder of the game.
Notable Stats and Records
While Curry’s scoring was down, he did pass Reggie Miller for 24th place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list, moving up to 25,281 points. However, his shooting struggles were a key factor in the Warriors’ defeat.
On the Rockets’ side, Houston’s win was a historic one, as they ended their losing streak at the Warriors’ home court that had lasted since February 2020. The Rockets now have three consecutive games in California before heading back to Houston for their regular-season finale against Denver on Sunday.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
The Rockets will face the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday, looking to build on their momentum. The Warriors, meanwhile, will travel to Phoenix on Tuesday before returning home to face the San Antonio Spurs in a back-to-back situation.
The Rockets’ victory over the Warriors was a statement win, showcasing the team’s ability to compete with one of the West’s top contenders. With key performances from Sengun, Brooks, and Green, Houston is positioning itself for a strong finish to the regular season. For Golden State, Curry’s struggles highlight the unpredictable nature of the game, but the Warriors remain a formidable team with the playoffs approaching.
