Rockets' Six-Game Homestand Ends In Loss vs. Warriors
HOUSTON — Coach Stephen Silas often spoke on the development and improvements when describing the Houston Rockets throughout their six-game homestand. Although it came in a double-digit loss, the Rockets' 121-108 defeat to the Golden State Warriors illustrated Houston's improvements.
The Rockets and Warriors last met in San Francisco nearly a month ago. The results led to Houston sustaining a 15-point defeat while Klay Thompson erupted for 41 points.
Not only were the Rockets more competitive in their fourth and final meeting of the season. But Houston held Thompson to 29 points on 11-for-21 shooting, 5-for-13 from behind the arc Monday night inside the Toyota Center.
The Rockets held several leads throughout the night but could never create enough separation. Golden State had a similar issue until the fourth quarter.
The Warriors led by nine points early in the third quarter. But by the 2:20 mark of the period, Houston took a 78-77 lead following a triple made by Usman Garuba. But the Warriors took an 84-80 lead over the Rockets entering the final quarter.
Golden State began to pull away early in the fourth. Stephen Curry scored seven of Golden State's first 11 points to open the period, which led to the Rockets trailing 95-87 with 9 minutes and 30 seconds left in the game.
Curry, who has averaged 31.5 points against Houston, finished with 30 points (10-23 FG, 5-15 3PT) in the win.
One night after recording his fourth 40-point game of the season, Jalen Green scored 20 points (7-19 FG, 3-7 3PT) on the night.
Green was one of six players who scored in double figures for Houston. Jabari Smith Jr. had a bounce-back game with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Tari Eason finished with a team-best 21 points and 12 rebounds. Josh Christopher added 10 points off the bench.
Rockets injury update:
Alperen Sengun missed his seventh game of the season due to a non-COVID illness, while Jae'Sean Tate sat out due to right ankle management.
Rockets lose four-game series vs. Warriors 4-0:
With the loss, the Warriors swept the Rockets 4-0 during their four-game regular season series. Houston closed their six-game homestand with a 3-3 record.
Up Next:
The Rockets will embark on a five-game east-coast road trip, which will begin in a two-game mini-series against the Memphis Grizzlies inside FedEx Forum.
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