Despite their 11-game losing streak consecutive outside (!), the Warriors had a great opportunity to move forward after three setbacks, moving to the Rocketslast of the Western conference and incidentally in “back-to-back”.
As (too) often on the road, the defending champions rowed and they did not reassure but, this time, they knew how to find the means to win (121-108), by signing a fourth quarter -authoritarian time in the wake of Stephen Curry (30 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists) and Klay Thompson (29 points, 7 rebounds).
The essential is there for Golden Statewhich goes back into the Top 6 and out of the play-in zone, while Houston obviously remains dead last in the standings, despite all the fighting spirit displayed by its players.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
— Finally a success on the road for Golden State. The last time the Warriors won on the road was Jan. 30 at Oklahoma City. Since then, Stephen Curry has had time to be injured and absent for ten games, the All-Star Break has taken place and Steve Kerr’s men have chained… 11 defeats in a row away from home. Given the stake in the standings, there was therefore no way to bow again for the defending champions, under the threat of many pursuers and a setback to go below 50% of victories. With forceps, the “Dubs” nevertheless did the job to give themselves some air…
— Houston cracks at the worst time. Cruel collapse for the Rockets, but not so surprising for all that, so much the Warriors seemed to find the address at 3-points and limited ball losses to make the difference in this part. Not to mention that it was enough for them, as a bonus, to defend a minimum to definitively put the Texans out of reach and that is precisely what happened in the last act. Because, after turning to -4 after three quarters, Stephen Silas’ men exploded in the fourth ahead of the experience and the baskets of the Curry / Thompson duo. Frustrating learning.
— The “Splash Brothers” take care of everything. It took 59 points from Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson for the defending champions to end their black streak. As bosses, and despite a fluctuating address, the two triggers of San Francisco carried on their broad shoulders the hopes of the Warriors in this meeting. Not without suffering, because it was necessary to go through streaks at the limit of distressing, but the way was not the primary concern of Golden State this night, in lack of victory. With their fiery fourth quarter (21 points), the Curry/Thompson duo showed the way…
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ Jonathan Kuminga. Without Andrew Wiggins or Andre Iguodala, the young Warriors winger continues to show great things when Steve Kerr calls on him. Illustration tonight, because he finished with 17 points in 26 minutes, 7/9 to shoot. Contagious energy, offensives towards the incisive circle and a semblance of defense for the 7th choice of the 2021 Draft, which has definitely become essential to this team over the weeks. Both in the five and off the bench…
✅ Tari Eason. Alperen Sengun absent, the rookie had to start this game and he did not fail to shine: 21 points, 12 rebounds and 4 steals in 31 minutes (9/16 in shooting). Without question, Eason delivered one of the best games of his young career and he was the most consistent of the Rockets on the night, compared to Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr. or Kenyon Martin Jr. and Kevin Porter Jr. We understand better why Stephen Silas likes to call on him, as the 17th choice of the last Draft is already precious on both sides of the floor for Houston, despite the fact that he is still in the rough.
⛔ Jordan Poole. We could also have mentioned Donte DiVincenzo, who went through this meeting like a lost soul, but we were entitled to expect more from the Sixth man of the Warriors. Author of only 5 points in 26 minutes, 1/8 to shoot (including 1/6 to 3-pointers), Poole never found his rhythm and, despite his 8 assists, his contribution to scoring has long been this that the “Dubs” lacked to pass the second on the scoreboard. Without repercussions this time, but beware of recovering quickly, because Golden State will greatly need its young rear at the end of the season.
⛔ Kevin Porter Jr.. He may have compiled 17 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals in 38 minutes, but “KPJ” also spoiled and watered a lot throughout the game: 4/15 in shooting, including 3/10 at 3- points, with 5 bullet losses. Not quite the performance one would expect from a starting point guard and the only element capable of playing creators in the Rockets rotation…
THE FOLLOWING
Houston (18-54) : trip to Memphis, in the night from Wednesday to Thursday (01:00).
Golden State (37-36) : trip to Dallas, Wednesday night to Thursday (12:30 a.m.).
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