The Rockets vs. Warriors clash delivered a dramatic overtime finish on Thursday night, as the Golden State Warriors edged the Houston Rockets 115–113 despite missing several key players, including injured star Stephen Curry.
At Houston’s Toyota Center, Brandon Podziemski scored 26 points, and De’Anthony Melton added 23, helping Golden State survive a tense final few minutes of overtime.
The victory came late Thursday night in the United States, early Friday morning for UK fans following the NBA.
The win matters because Golden State remains competitive despite Curry missing his 12th straight game with a knee injury. At the same time, Houston pushed one of the league’s most experienced teams to the limit in a game decided by a single possession.
What happened in the Rockets vs Warriors overtime finish?
The final moments turned chaotic and tense. Golden State held a three-point lead with around 30 seconds left in overtime when Houston forward Kevin Durant was fouled while attempting a three-pointer. Durant calmly made the first two free throws, but missed the third.
Golden State grabbed the rebound, and Melton quickly delivered the decisive moment, a tip-in layup with 5.3 seconds remaining, pushing the Warriors ahead 115-112.
Amen Thompson membawa Rockets unggul untuk pertama kalinya di game ini!
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Durant later split a pair of free throws to bring Houston within two points, but a late foul stopped the Rockets from attempting a final game-winning shot. Golden State held on for a narrow two-point victory.
Who were the standout players in the game?
Several players stepped up in a high-scoring contest.
| Player | Team | Points | Key Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brandon Podziemski | Warriors | 26 | Late scoring run in overtime |
| De’Anthony Melton | Warriors | 23 | Crucial tip-in layup to seal the win |
| Al Horford | Warriors | 17 | Key three-pointer late in regulation |
| Reed Sheppard | Rockets | 30 | Six three-pointers to lead Houston |
| Kevin Durant | Rockets | 23 | Key late free throws and scoring |
Podziemski proved decisive in overtime, hitting a three-pointer followed by a driving layup that gave Golden State a 111-106 lead during the extra period.
How did the game reach overtime?
The closing stages of regulation were just as dramatic. Houston briefly moved ahead when centre Alperen Sengun scored on a short basket with about a minute remaining, giving the Rockets the lead.
Moments later, veteran forward Al Horford responded with a three-pointer to put Golden State back in front 101-99.
Sengun then tied the game again with around 30 seconds left, setting up a tense final possession. A foul call on Durant against Melton with 6.5 seconds remaining was overturned after a Rockets challenge, leaving the game level.
Golden State won the jump ball but turned it over with 0.3 seconds left, and Houston’s Amen Thompson missed a close attempt at the buzzer, sending the game into overtime.
Why were the Warriors short-handed?
Golden State entered the match without its biggest star. Stephen Curry has missed 12 consecutive games with a knee injury, forcing the Warriors to rely on younger players and role contributors.
Team officials have said Curry will likely be re-evaluated next week, meaning his return date remains uncertain. Despite the absence, Golden State’s supporting cast delivered one of its most resilient performances of the season.
How did Houston’s young core perform?
Houston showed strong promise despite the defeat. Rookie guard Reed Sheppard led all scorers with 30 points, including six three-pointers.
Meanwhile, Sengun and Thompson contributed key plays in the closing stages, highlighting the Rockets’ growing young core. Although Houston lost, the narrow result suggests the rebuilding side can compete with more experienced NBA teams.
