Reed Sheppard scored a career-high 31 points with nine rebounds and five assists as the Houston Rockets overcame a 12-point halftime deficit to beat the Golden State Warriors 104-100 Wednesday at Chase Center.
Alperen Sengun added 16 points, six rebounds and six assists, while Houston capitalized on 22 points off 16 Golden State turnovers to secure their seventh win in eight games.
Stephen Curry and Amen Thompson went down hard under the basket with 3:24 left in the fourth quarter after a contested drive, with Curry leaving the game; the Warriors trailed but remained within striking distance thanks to Jimmy Butler’s 21 points and Will Richard’s 18.
Moses Moody hit a 3-pointer with six seconds remaining to cut the deficit to two, but Sheppard converted two free throws after a foul to seal the win for Houston.
The Rockets trailed 59-47 at halftime after shooting just 39.6%, but Sheppard’s consecutive baskets late in the third quarter helped Houston pull within 76-74 heading into the fourth and spark a 5-0 opening run.
Draymond Green returned for Golden State after missing Monday’s win, contributing 12 points, eight rebounds and eight assists, while the Warriors were without Al Horford due to sciatica and Jonathan Kuminga, who is rehabbing knee tendinitis.
Houston was also missing Steven Adams (right ankle) and Kevin Durant (personal matter), though coach Ime Udoka expects Durant back for the next game.
The Rockets will play back-to-back games at Utah beginning Sunday, while Golden State hosts New Orleans on Saturday for Kevon Looney’s return.
