With starting guards Kevin Porter Jr. (left foot contusion) and Jalen Green (left groin strain) still sidelined, the short-handed Houston Rockets lost their eighth straight game in Friday’s 116-101 loss (box score) at Golden State. Klay Thompson led the Warriors with 42 points on a blistering 12-of-17 clip (70.6%) from 3-point range.
The Rockets (13-46) continue to own the NBA’s worst record, while the defending champion Warriors (30-30) evened their 2022-23 mark as they pursue a potential berth in the 2023 playoffs.
The Warriors were short-handed, as well, with absences including Draymond Green (right knee contusion), Andrew Wiggins (personal reasons), and superstar guard Steph Curry (lower leg sprain).
Key statistics for the Rockets included:
- KJ Martin: 22 points, 8 rebounds, 2 blocks; 7-of-12 shooting (60.0%), 0-of-3 on 3-pointers, 8-of-9 free throws (88.9%)
- Jae’Sean Tate: 14 points, 4 assists, 3 steals, 3 assists; 6-of-12 shooting (50.0%), 1-of-3 on 3-pointers (33.3%)
- TyTy Washington: 15 points, 4 assists, 2 steals; 5-of-12 shooting (41.7%), 3-of-6 on 3-pointers (50.0%)
- Alperen Sengun: 5 points, 9 rebounds, 8 assists; 2-of-10 shooting (20.0%), 1-of-1 on 3-pointers
- Jabari Smith Jr.: 13 points, 9 rebounds; 4-of-16 shooting (25.0%), 1-of-6 on 3-pointers (16.7%)
- Josh Christopher: 13 points, 1 rebound, 6-of-10 shooting (60.0%), 1-of-4 on 3-pointers (25.0%)
Scroll on for highlights, analysis, and postgame interview reaction from Chase Center. Next up for Houston is Sunday night’s game at Portland, with tipoff scheduled for 8:00 p.m. Central.