In an unexpected turn of events, the Golden State Warriors faced a tough defeat against the Houston Rockets on April 6, 2025, at the Chase Center in San Francisco, losing 106-96. The game marked a significant moment for the Warriors, who had entered the contest as one of the hottest teams in the NBA, having won 14 of their last 17 games. However, the Rockets, riding a wave of momentum with 14 wins in their last 16 outings, proved to be a formidable opponent.
Stephen Curry, the Warriors' star guard, had a night to forget, scoring only three points in over 32 minutes of play. His performance was a stark contrast to his recent form, where he had scored 52, 37, and 36 points in his previous three games, totaling 125 points. In this matchup, Curry struggled significantly, shooting just 1-of-10 from the field and 1-of-8 from beyond the arc. Despite his shooting woes, he managed to contribute with eight assists, but his four turnovers and lack of rebounds (only two) highlighted a frustrating evening.
Anthony Slater of The Athletic noted, "Steph Curry: three points, 1/10 FG, four turnovers. Went from his most torrid four-night stretch of the season to possibly his worst game. Warriors waving white flag. They'll lose to Rockets and fall back into play-in danger." This performance was particularly surprising given Curry's recent scoring outburst and his status as a two-time MVP.
However, amid the disappointment, Curry achieved a significant milestone by passing Hall of Famer Reggie Miller to claim 24th place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list, surpassing Miller’s mark of 25,279 points. The Warriors' official X account celebrated this achievement, stating, "Making waves ⚡️ Stephen Curry has passed Reggie Miller for 24th on the NBA’s all-time scoring list." Next on his list is Denver Nuggets legend Alex English, who has 25,613 points, and with only four games left in the regular season, it remains to be seen if Curry can reach that mark before the playoffs.
The Rockets' victory was bolstered by a strong performance from Dillon Brooks, who led all scorers with 24 points. Jalen Green also made a significant impact, contributing 21 points, including a crucial 10-point run in the fourth quarter that helped seal the win. The Rockets outscored the Warriors 23-9 in the final quarter, showcasing their resilience and ability to close out games.
As the game progressed, the Warriors found themselves struggling against the Rockets' defensive pressure. Despite making six more three-pointers than Houston, the Warriors were outmatched in several key areas. Houston's athleticism and length were evident, as they recorded seven blocked shots and scored 18 points off 20 turnovers committed by the Warriors. The Rockets also dominated in fastbreak points, outscoring Golden State 26-12, and controlled the paint with a 56-40 advantage in points.
Brandin Podziemski was one of the few bright spots for the Warriors, scoring 19 points, including four three-pointers. Buddy Hield added 20 points, hitting six threes, while Gary Payton II contributed 16 points and played a crucial role in the Warriors' bench scoring. However, the rest of the starting five combined for only 21 points, highlighting the team's struggles in offensive production.
The loss not only ended the Warriors' five-game win streak but also dropped them from the No. 5 seed to No. 6 in the Western Conference standings. This defeat has significant playoff implications, as the Warriors now find themselves in a tight race with the Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, and Minnesota Timberwolves for playoff positioning.
In terms of historical context, this game marked the fifth time the Warriors faced the Rockets this season, the first time they had played against the same team five times in a single season since the 1994-95 NBA season. The rivalry between these two teams has been intense, with both sides displaying a competitive edge and a desire to assert dominance.
As the game unfolded, tensions were palpable, with Draymond Green and Houston’s Alperen Sengun getting into it throughout the night. Green was called for a Flagrant 1 foul during a layup attempt against Sengun, further intensifying the rivalry. Curry and Rockets coach Ime Udoka were seen exchanging words as they walked to their respective locker rooms at halftime, indicating that the animosity between the teams is as strong as ever.
Looking ahead, the Warriors will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for their remaining regular-season games, with playoff positioning on the line. The defeat against the Rockets serves as a wake-up call for the Warriors, who must address their offensive inconsistencies and find a way to support Curry as they head into the postseason.
With the playoffs looming, every game counts, and the Warriors will be eager to bounce back from this disappointing loss. Fans will be watching closely to see how the team responds and whether Curry can regain his scoring touch as they aim for another championship run.
