Rockets Shock the Warriors, Snapping Their Winning Streak!
Wow. Just wow. The Houston Rockets absolutely destroyed the Golden State Warriors on Sunday, ending their five-game winning streak with a convincing 106-96 victory. Honestly, who saw that coming? This win was the Rockets' third in a row, really cementing their place as a serious contender in the Western Conference.
The Second Half Show
The Rockets' win wasn't just a win; it was a complete domination in the second half. They completely locked down the Warriors' offense, holding Steph Curry to a single field goal in the final two quarters – leaving him scoreless for the period. It was a defensive clinic, a true masterclass. That kind of pressure let Houston pull away, making the final score seem almost underwhelming given the way they controlled the game.
Some Seriously Impressive Performances
Dillon Brooks led the way for the Rockets, dropping 24 points on an incredible 10-of-13 shooting. Jalen Green added 21 points and 5 assists, showing off his all-around game. Alperen Sengun had a monster double-double with 19 points and 14 rebounds. And let's not forget Jabari Smith Jr. (16 points) and Amen Thompson (14 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists) – the Rockets' depth was on full display. The Warriors had solid performances from Buddy Hield (20 points), Brandin Podziemski (19 points), and Gary Payton II (16 points), but they just couldn't handle the Rockets' relentless attack.
What This Means for the Playoffs
This win boosted the Rockets' record to 52-27, strengthening their grip on the No. 2 seed in the West. The Warriors, on the other hand, dropped to 46-32, putting them in a tight fifth-place tie. This changes everything in the playoff picture. The Rockets are suddenly looking like a real threat, and this game really solidified that.
A Quick Look Back at the Game
The Rockets started strong: They put up the first six points, setting the tone early. Then the Warriors rallied: They took the lead in the first quarter (24-18), suggesting it might be their night. But the Rockets dominated the second half: They outscored the Warriors 55-46 in the final two quarters, showing their incredible staying power. And Steph's struggles? He finished with only three points on 10 field goal attempts. Ouch.
What's Next?
This upset win proves the Rockets are serious contenders, and makes a deep playoff run feel totally possible. They’re riding high on momentum. As for the Warriors? This loss should be a wake-up call. They need to find more offensive consistency and tighten up their defense if they want to make a serious playoff run themselves. This was a big game, with huge implications for the rest of the season.
