In a thrilling matchup, the Houston Rockets defeated the Golden State Warriors 104-100 at the Chase Center, despite being without star player Kevin Durant. The Rockets improved their record to 12-4 while the Warriors fell to 10-10.
Key Performers in the Game
Reed Sheppard emerged as the standout player, scoring 31 points to lead all scorers. Stephen Curry’s performance raised concerns as he left the game with an injury with only 35 seconds remaining. His health will be a focal point moving forward.
Rockets’ Defense Shines Against Curry
The Rockets excelled in their defensive strategy against Curry, regarded as one of the toughest opponents for any team. Houston utilized strong defenders like Amen Thompson and Josh Okogie to challenge Curry’s every move.
- Curry scored only 14 points on 4-of-13 shooting.
- He struggled with an unusual seven turnovers.
- Despite his average of 19.8 shot attempts per game, Curry managed just 13 in this contest.
Houston’s defense was relentless, applying intense pressure during pick-and-roll situations that drained Curry’s energy. The officiating played a controversial role, with several calls going against him, adding to his frustrations throughout the game.
Draymond Green vs. Alperen Sengun
A notable battle occurred between Draymond Green and Alperen Sengun. Although their overall statistics appeared comparable, Green significantly impacted Sengun’s effectiveness.
- Sengun finished with 16 points, six rebounds, and six assists.
- Green, while managing 12 points, also recorded eight rebounds and eight assists.
- Green forced Sengun into a challenging 7-of-18 shooting performance.
Green’s plus-11 rating contrasted sharply with Sengun’s minus-16, showcasing Green’s dominance in this match-up despite his ongoing foot issue.
Warriors Face Offensive Drought
One of the glaring issues for the Warriors was their lengthy offensive droughts. They went a staggering 4:53 without a single field goal during the third quarter, allowing the Rockets to orchestrate a crucial 12-2 run.
- During the drought, the Warriors only managed two points.
- They struggled to penetrate the paint, lacking interior scoring threats.
- Golden State heavily relies on three-point shooting, ranked second in the league for attempts.
To combat future struggles, it’s vital for the Warriors to involve Jimmy Butler more actively in their offense. In the final moments of the stretch without a field goal, Butler only took one shot after entering the game.
Conclusion
The Rockets’ defensive strategies effectively stifled Stephen Curry, showcasing their capabilities even without Durant. Moving forward, the Warriors must address their offensive inconsistencies to regain momentum in the league.
