Rockets Stun Warriors 104-100 as Curry Struggles with Injury

The Houston Rockets triumphed over the Golden State Warriors 104-100 at Chase Center on November 29, 2023, despite missing star player Kevin Durant. Reed Sheppard led the game with an impressive 31 points. However, the most significant storyline emerged as Stephen Curry exited the game with 35 seconds remaining, raising concerns about his injury status.

Defensive Strategy Challenges Curry

The Rockets have consistently proven to be a formidable opponent for Curry, employing a defensive strategy that stifles his scoring opportunities. They utilized strong on-ball defenders such as Amen Thompson and Josh Okogie to limit Curry’s effectiveness. During the game, Curry managed only 14 points on 4-of-13 shooting, alongside six turnovers. The limited number of shots he took underscores the difficulty he faced in generating offense against Houston’s relentless defense.

The Rockets also targeted Curry defensively, frequently involving him in ball-screen actions. This strategy not only drained his energy but also placed him in challenging situations on the court. Notably, Curry’s average of 19.8 shot attempts per game highlights the stark contrast to his performance against the Rockets, where he struggled to find rhythm.

Officiating Decisions Affect Game Flow

Controversial officiating also played a role in the game’s outcome. During a critical moment, Thompson’s offensive foul against Curry was overturned after a challenge, shifting momentum. Shortly thereafter, Curry attempted a Eurostep against Aaron Holiday, only for the call to remain unchanged despite the Warriors’ challenge. These decisions added to the challenges Curry faced, as he often seemed to contend with both the opposing team and the referees.

Comparative Performance of Key Players

The statistical lines for Draymond Green and Alperen Sengun might suggest a tightly contested matchup. Sengun recorded 16 points, six rebounds, and six assists, while Green contributed 12 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists. However, Green’s defensive prowess was evident as he forced Sengun into a challenging 7-of-18 shooting performance. In the plus-minus battle, Green finished at plus-11, while Sengun ended at minus-16, indicating Green’s substantial impact on the game.

Warriors Face Scoring Drought

A pivotal moment in the game came during the third quarter when the Warriors experienced a scoring drought lasting 4:53. During this stretch, they managed only two points, allowing the Rockets to embark on a 12-2 run that shifted the momentum in their favor. This highlighted a critical area for the Warriors, who have struggled to consistently score inside the arc, particularly in the absence of dominant paint scorers.

Despite being second in the league for three-point attempts, the Warriors need to diversify their offensive strategy. Jimmy Butler, who entered the game for the final 2:45 of the scoring drought, recorded only one shot during that critical period. More plays should be designed for him to help alleviate scoring pressures during tough stretches.

The Warriors will need to regroup and address these challenges as they continue their season, particularly focusing on offensive adjustments to support their star players.