Full Breakdown
Warriors Fall to Rockets Amid Curry's Injury Concerns
11/27/2025, 1:17:45 PM
Game Overview: Rockets Rally for Victory
The Houston Rockets (12-4) defeated the Golden State Warriors (10-10) 104-100 at Chase Center, overcoming a 14-point deficit in the second half. This matchup was part of the NBA Cup, but both teams were already eliminated from knockout-round contention. Reed Sheppard led the Rockets with a career-high 31 points, while the Warriors struggled offensively, particularly in the second half.
Key Player Performances
Reed Sheppard's standout performance included 31 points, nine rebounds, and five assists, showcasing his ability to step up in the absence of Kevin Durant, who missed the game for personal reasons. Alperen Sengun contributed 16 points and six assists, while Amen Thompson added 10 points and 14 rebounds. For the Warriors, Jimmy Butler III led with 21 points, followed by Stephen Curry, who managed only 14 points on 4-of-13 shooting before leaving the game with an injury.
Curry's Injury: A Major Concern
Stephen Curry's injury overshadowed the game, as he exited with a right quad contusion after a collision with Amen Thompson late in the fourth quarter. Curry attempted to play through the pain but was ultimately sidelined with 35 seconds remaining. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr expressed concern over the potential impact of Curry's absence, noting, “It obviously changes everything... our rotation, how we’re playing, who we’re playing through.” An MRI is scheduled to assess the severity of Curry's injury.
Second Half Struggles for Golden State
The Warriors' offensive struggles were evident, particularly during a critical stretch in the third quarter where they went nearly five minutes without a field goal. This drought allowed the Rockets to mount a comeback, outscoring the Warriors 57-41 in the second half. Golden State's reliance on three-point shooting backfired, as they shot just 2-of-21 from beyond the arc in the second half, contributing to their defeat.
Criticism of Officiating and Game Management
The game featured contentious officiating moments, particularly involving Curry. A call that initially went against Thompson was overturned, leading to frustration among Warriors players and fans. The Warriors also struggled with turnovers, committing 16 compared to the Rockets' 10, which proved costly in a tightly contested game.
Looking Ahead: Implications for the Warriors
With Curry's status uncertain, the Warriors face a challenging road ahead. They are set to play the New Orleans Pelicans next, and their performance without Curry has been historically poor, with a record of 1-4 this season in games he did not play. The team will need to regroup quickly to maintain competitiveness in the Western Conference.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It obviously changes everything,” — Steve Kerr, Head Coach, Golden State Warriors
- “He was big,” — Ime Udoka, Head Coach, Houston Rockets, on Reed Sheppard's performance.
- “When I heard it was a quad, I was actually kind of relieved.” — Steve Kerr, regarding Curry's injury.
Conclusion
The Warriors' loss to the Rockets not only highlights their ongoing struggles but also raises significant concerns about Curry's health. As the team navigates this challenging period, their ability to adapt without their star player will be crucial in the upcoming games.
