KEY POINTS
- Alperen Sengun scored a go-ahead interior basket with 11.1 seconds remaining to secure a 117-116 victory for Houston.
- Stephen Curry returned from a 27-game injury absence to score 29 points off the bench for Golden State.
- The Rockets extended their current winning streak to six games while maintaining momentum in the Western Conference.
The Houston Rockets continued their impressive late-season surge with a dramatic 117-116 victory over the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center. This tightly contested battle came down to the final seconds of regulation. Houston center Alperen Sengun provided the decisive blow by scoring a critical interior basket with just 11.1 seconds left on the clock.+2
The game served as a high-stakes backdrop for the return of Warriors superstar Stephen Curry. The veteran guard had missed 27 consecutive games due to an injury sustained in late January. Curry began the night on the bench but quickly found his rhythm once he entered the rotation. He finished the contest with a team-high 29 points on 11-of-21 shooting.
Despite the individual brilliance from Curry, the Rockets maintained a balanced offensive attack throughout the evening. Sengun led the way for Houston with 24 points and the game-winning score. Forward Jabari Smith Jr. also contributed significantly with 23 points and nine rebounds. His defensive effort against Curry on the final possession preserved the one-point lead.
The third quarter featured a moment of high tension between the two teams. Draymond Green and Jabari Smith Jr. engaged in a heated exchange that required teammates to intervene. The altercation began after a physical play near the boundary line. Officials managed to settle the situation without assessing technical fouls to either player.
Kevin Durant played a vital role as a facilitator for the Rockets throughout the matchup. He finished the game with eight assists and eight rebounds to complement his scoring. His vision was on full display during the final minute of play. Durant delivered the perfectly timed pass that set up Sengun for the go-ahead bucket.
Golden State struggled to find defensive consistency against Houston’s versatile frontcourt. The Warriors had posted a 9-18 record during Curry’s two-month absence and hoped his return would spark a turnaround. While the offense looked improved with their leader back, the team could not secure the necessary stops in the closing moments.
The Rockets have now won six straight games as they push for a higher playoff seed. This victory demonstrates their ability to execute under pressure in a hostile road environment. Their young core continues to show growth alongside veteran additions like Durant. The team currently looks like one of the most dangerous units in the Western Conference.
For the Warriors, the loss is a disappointing start to the final stretch of the season. However, the health and productivity of Stephen Curry remain a major positive for the franchise. The team will need to tighten their late-game execution to climb the standings before the postseason begins.
