SAN FRANCISCO (AP) – Reed Sheppard delivered a career-defining performance, exploding for 31 points, grabbing 9 rebounds, and dishing out 5 assists as the Houston Rockets orchestrated a stunning second-half comeback to defeat the Golden State Warriors 104-100 on Wednesday night. This victory serves as sweet revenge for the Rockets, who were eliminated by the Warriors in a Game 7 thriller in the first round of last season's playoffs.
The Warriors, who held a 12-point lead at halftime, struggled to contain Sheppard's offensive onslaught. Jimmy Butler contributed 21 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists for Golden State, while Stephen Curry added 14 points, and rookie Will Richard chipped in with 18.
The game remained tight down the stretch. Moses Moody, reaching a significant milestone of 2,000 career points, drained a clutch 3-pointer with just six seconds remaining, narrowing the Warriors' deficit to two points. However, Moody then fouled Sheppard, who calmly sank both free throws to secure the victory for Houston.
Alperen Sengun also played a crucial role for the Rockets, adding 16 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists. Houston capitalized on Golden State's 16 turnovers, converting them into 22 points, ultimately proving to be the difference in the game. The Rockets have now won seven of their last ten games.
Key Moments of the Game
- Reed Sheppard's career-high 31 points.
- Houston's dominant second-half performance.
- Moses Moody's late 3-pointer and subsequent foul.
- The Rockets capitalizing on the Warriors' turnovers.
Looking Ahead
The Rockets will look to build on this momentum as they continue their season. The Warriors, on the other hand, will need to address their turnover issues and find ways to close out games more effectively.