Klay Thompson’s explosion was imminent and unfortunately for the Rockets, it happened in Houston. The Warriors, however, had to work to overcome the worst team in the Western Conference, well led by Kevin Porter Jr. and Jabari Smith Jr.
As against the Knicks, the Warriors start the game with seriousness and skill. Klay Thompson, who is still trying to keep up with the attack, catches fire and scores 20 points as the Dubs take an 18-point lead to finish the first quarter with 40 points (40- 28).
While we think Golden State is finally on the right track, everything is falling apart. Behind the energy of Tari Eason and Kenyon Martin Jr, Houston went 15-2 through the visitors’ second five to take the lead (43-42). The return of the captains does not change the situation for the Warriors and Jabari Smith Jr pushes the Rockets lead to +9 (59-50)! It takes a heat stroke from the “Splash Brothers” to limit the damage (65-61).
Drives from Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr. hurt badly, but the Warriors hit three straight saves and rely on 16 points from Stephen Curry to finish the third quarter 21-11 to take the lead (97-94). While the Warriors have the opportunity to take off, two loose balls and several offensive rebounds allow Kevin Porter Jr. and Jabari Smith Jr. to put Houston in front of the score (108-107).
Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson then chained three award-winning shots to give control of the game to the Warriors with four minutes to play (118-112). The Rockets, however, cling on thanks to their offensive rebounds and stray balls from the Warriors, but Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry finish the job with two new shots from distance to give their team their first victory of the season outside!
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– Klay Thompson as a Rocket. In the hard since the start of the season, Klay Thompson had started to get his head out of the water against the Knicks with 20 points at 50% success, for the first time this season. Against the Rockets, he continued his momentum scoring 20 points in the first quarter at 7/9 on shots and 4/5 from afar. The “Splash Brother” found its rhythm in the Golden State collective to achieve the best game, by far, of its season. A good omen for the Warriors who still had to work to beat the Rockets.
– The young Rockets are showing their full potential. At -18 in the first quarter, Houston could have given up and taken the water, they did the opposite. Led by Kevin Porter Jr and Jabari Smith Jr, they managed to get back into the game and hold off the defending champion for the last three quarters.
– 38 assists, 51% from 3-point range. The Warriors have regained their good game for two games. Last night, they delivered 38 assists out of 46 baskets scored and scored 24 3-pointers at 51% success, including 17 for the “Splash Brothers”. Klay Thompson will also admit after the meeting that on this opening day of the Football World Cup, Steve Kerr had shown FC Barcelona highlights to his players to remind them that they too are at their best when they play their version of the tiki taka.
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ Stephen Curry – Klay Thompson. The “Splash Brothers” gave us a vintage performance tonight with 74 points between them! Klay Thompson (41 points, 10/13 from 3-pointers) passed the 30-point mark for the first time this season, while Stephen Curry continues his momentum with a monumental double-double of 33 points and 15 assists .
✅ Andrew Wiggins. As against the Knicks, Andrew Wiggins was aggressive and efficient to finish with 22 points and 5 rebounds.
✅ Kevin Porter Jr. The young Rocket held off the “Splash Brothers” with 30 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds.
✅ Jabari Smith – Tari Eason. The Rockets rookies shone with 22 points and 7 rebounds for the 3rd choice of the Draft, well supported by Tari Eason (19 points, 9 rebounds)
⛔ Alperen Sengun. The Turkish pivot was dominated by the defense of Kevon Looney. He only scored 3 points at 1/3 on shots.
THE FOLLOWING
Golden State (8-9) : the Warriors continue back-to-back in New Orleans.
Houston (3-14): The Rockets have four days of rest, before resuming after Thanksgiving at home against Atlanta.
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