The Rockets stormed back from a 16-point deficit to grab a fourth-quarter lead, but they couldn’t hold it in Sunday’s 106-95 loss (box score) to Golden State. Houston, which played its home opener of the 2023-24 regular season. is 0-3 under new coach Ime Udoka.
The Rockets held Steph Curry in check for much of the game, but the future Hall of Famer erupted late with four 3-pointers in the game’s final six minutes as the Warriors (2-1) pulled away. Curry finished with a game-high 24 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists, and he connected on 6-of-14 from 3-point range (42.9%).
Jalen Green led the Rockets with 21 points and 9 rebounds, though he shot just 8-of-20 from the field (40%) and 1-of-5 on 3-pointers (20%). Other Houston players of note included:
- Alperen Sengun: 19 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds; 7-of-15 shooting (46.7%), 1-of-2 on 3-pointers (50%), 4-of-4 on free throws
- Jabari Smith Jr.: 14 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals; 6-of-12 shooting (50%), 2-of-6 on 3-pointers (33.3%)
- Dillon Brooks: 12 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists; 4-of-10 shooting (40%), 2-of-5 on 3-pointers (40%)
- Amen Thompson: 9 points, 4 rebounds in 20 minutes; 3-of-5 shooting (60%), 1-of-2 on 3-pointers (50%)
- Jae’Sean Tate: 6 points, 8 rebounds in 22 minutes; 2-of-6 shooting (33.3%)
Curry’s veteran backcourt mate, Klay Thompson, added 19 points for the Warriors and made 5-of-10 from 3-point range (50%). Overall, Golden State’s 18-of-45 night (40%) from long range proved too much of a math advantage to overcome for a gritty Houston squad that competed hard but made 9-of-33 shots (27.3%) from deep.
Here are highlights and interviews from Sunday, along with reaction by media members and fans. Next up for Houston, as a season-long homestand of seven games continues, is Wednesday’s matchup versus Charlotte. Tipoff from Toyota Center is at 7 p.m. Central.