Golden State Warriors defeats Houston Rockets 115-113
Houston Rockets Fall Just Short Against Warriors in Thrilling Overtime Battle
The Golden State Warriors edged out the Houston Rockets in a nail-biting 115-113 overtime victory on Wednesday night at the Toyota Center. In a game filled with lead changes and clutch performances, the Warriors proved to be just a bit too much for the Rockets down the stretch. The contest, played on March 5, 2026, showcased the rising potential of Houston against the experienced championship core of Golden State.
Game Flow
The game started off strongly in favor of the Warriors, who came out firing on all cylinders. Q1: 20-30 – Golden State established an early double-digit lead, fueled by hot shooting from Steph Curry and Andrew Wiggins. The Rockets struggled to find their rhythm offensively, committing early turnovers and missing open looks. The second quarter saw a significant shift in momentum as the Rockets found their footing. Q2: 27-21 – Houston’s defense tightened up, and Jalen Green began to heat up, leading a charge that cut into the Warriors’ lead. The Rockets outscored Golden State by six in the quarter, entering halftime down by only 8 points.
The third quarter was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading baskets. Q3: 35-30 – Houston continued to chip away at the deficit, fueled by energetic play from their bench and improved three-point shooting. A strong push midway through the quarter allowed the Rockets to briefly take the lead, but the Warriors responded with key buckets of their own. The Rockets entered the fourth quarter trailing by just five. Q4: 19-20 – The final quarter was a tense, physical battle. Neither team could gain a significant advantage, with multiple lead changes and clutch shots. With seconds remaining, a contested jumper by Alperen Sengun tied the game, sending it into overtime.
Overtime proved to be just as dramatic. OT1: 12-14 – Curry hit a difficult three-pointer with under a minute remaining, giving the Warriors a lead they wouldn't relinquish. Despite a late push from Houston, including a potential game-tying three-point attempt that rimmed out, Golden State held on for the hard-fought victory. The Rockets fought valiantly, but ultimately fell short against a determined Warriors squad.
Highlight Players
Jalen Green led the Rockets with a stellar performance, finishing with 28 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists. Green showcased his scoring versatility, attacking the basket with aggression and knocking down shots from beyond the arc. He was a driving force for Houston throughout the game, particularly in the second and third quarters, and nearly willed his team to victory in overtime.
Alperen Sengun continued to be a dominant force for the Rockets, contributing 24 points, 15 rebounds, and 7 assists. Sengun's size and skill proved to be a constant matchup problem for the Warriors' frontcourt. He was particularly effective in the paint, scoring on post-ups and grabbing crucial rebounds. His late-game heroics, including the game-tying shot, demonstrated his clutch ability.
Stephen Curry was the catalyst for the Warriors, finishing with 30 points, 8 rebounds, and 9 assists. Curry’s signature long-range shooting was on full display, as he hit several contested three-pointers that shifted the momentum of the game. He also showcased his playmaking ability, finding open teammates for easy scores. His late-game three in overtime proved to be the decisive basket.
Team Stats Breakdown
The Golden State Warriors slightly outshot the Houston Rockets, finishing with an FG% of 50.6% compared to Houston’s 46.2%. Both teams struggled with turnovers, with the Warriors committing 18 and the Rockets 16. Rebounding was relatively even, with the Warriors grabbing 45 rebounds and the Rockets 42. The Warriors had a slight edge in assists, 28 to 25. Points in the paint were nearly identical, with Golden State scoring 52 and Houston 50. The Warriors capitalized on second-chance points, scoring 17 compared to Houston’s 12. A key difference was the Warriors’ three-point shooting, where they connected on 13 of 32 attempts (40.6%) while the Rockets managed only 10 of 28 (35.7%). Overall, the Warriors' efficiency and ability to capitalize on opportunities proved to be the difference in a close contest. Houston’s bench contributed 35 points, while Golden State’s bench added 28.
Next Game Preview
The Houston Rockets will look to bounce back when they host the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday, March 6, 2026. This will be a crucial game for Houston as they continue their push for a playoff spot. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM CT at the Toyota Center. The Blazers, led by their young core, will present a different challenge for the Rockets, focusing more on pace and individual scoring. Expect a high-scoring affair with a strong emphasis on offensive execution.