The Houston Rockets hosted the Golden State Warriors at the Toyota Center on December 11, 2024, in a tightly contested battle that showcased elite basketball and resilience from both teams. In a game defined by high-stakes moments and standout performances, the Rockets secured a 91-90 victory, thrilling a sellout crowd of 18,055 fans.

Sengun’s Spectacular Night

Alperen Sengun was the undeniable star of the evening, delivering a commanding performance with 26 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists. Sengun’s efficiency in the paint (10-for-18 shooting) and ability to draw fouls proved pivotal, as he went 6-for-7 from the free-throw line. His contributions extended beyond scoring; Sengun’s court vision and defensive presence anchored the Rockets throughout.

Golden State’s Mixed Offense

Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 19 points and 5 assists, showing flashes of brilliance but struggling from beyond the arc (3-for-9). Jonathan Kuminga added a strong 20 points and 7 rebounds, showcasing his versatility. However, Golden State’s inability to consistently capitalize on open looks from three-point range (31.6%) proved costly in such a close game.

Tactical Decisions Define the Game

Houston’s strategic adjustments in the fourth quarter, including their focus on slowing Curry and forcing other Warriors to make plays, shifted the momentum. Amen Thompson’s energy off the bench (10 points, 6 rebounds) provided a crucial boost, while Jabari Smith Jr.’s timely three-pointers helped maintain the Rockets’ edge.

For Golden State, turnovers were a glaring issue, as they committed 15 compared to Houston’s 12. Draymond Green’s defensive prowess was offset by offensive miscues, tallying 5 turnovers that disrupted the Warriors’ rhythm.

Statistical Highlights

  • Points in the Paint: Houston dominated with 58 points compared to Golden State’s 40.
  • Rebounds: The Warriors edged the Rockets 53-45, thanks in part to Gary Payton II’s and Kevon Looney’s hustle on the boards.
  • Free Throws: The Rockets shot an impressive 90% (9-for-10) from the line, a stark contrast to the Warriors’ 44.4% (4-for-9).

Turning Points

The final moments were a flurry of defensive stands and clutch baskets. Houston’s Dillon Brooks, known for his defensive grit, sank a critical shot late in the game, while Sengun sealed the victory with a key rebound and subsequent free throws under pressure.

Looking Ahead

The Rockets’ win propels them into the Semifinals of the NBA Cup, where they will face the Oklahoma City Thunder in Las Vegas. With Sengun at the helm and a supporting cast stepping up, Houston is proving to be a force in this tournament. Meanwhile, the Warriors will need to address their shooting inconsistencies and turnover woes to find success in the rest of the season.

This thrilling contest is a testament to the intensity of NBA matchups and the ever-present unpredictability that keeps fans coming back for more. Fans can only hope for more games as electrifying as this one when Houston takes the stage in Las Vegas.