Warriors vs Rockets Final Score: Breaking Down the Key Plays and Game Highlights

As I settled into my courtside seat for last night’s Warriors vs Rockets showdown, I couldn’t help but feel that familiar buzz—the kind you only get when two elite teams clash with playoff implications hanging in the balance. The final score, 118–112 in favor of Golden State, tells only part of the story. What unfolded was a chess match punctuated by explosive runs, defensive stands, and a few moments of individual brilliance that shifted the momentum. Let’s walk through the key sequences that defined this game, because honestly, if you missed this one, you missed a masterclass in modern NBA basketball.

From the opening tip, it was clear the Warriors wanted to establish pace. Steph Curry came out firing, hitting two quick threes in the first four minutes. But Houston answered every time—their ball movement was crisp, and Alperen Şengün was absolutely sensational in the paint. I’ve got to say, I’ve been watching this kid develop for two seasons now, and his footwork and vision are improving at an alarming rate. By the end of the first quarter, the Rockets actually led 31–28, largely because they outrebounded Golden State 14–9. Those second-chance points kept them in it early, and I remember thinking if they could sustain that effort on the glass, we might be in for a nail-biter.

Then came the second quarter, where the game’s tone shifted dramatically. The Warriors’ bench unit, led by Jonathan Kuminga and Gary Payton II, brought that trademark defensive intensity. Kuminga in particular—his athleticism is just off the charts. There was one play around the 8:30 mark where he switched onto Jalen Green, stayed with him step-for-step, and forced a contested fadeaway that clanked off the rim. On the very next possession, he finished a lob from Chris Paul. That sequence felt like a mini momentum-swing, and you could see the Rockets’ confidence waver. Houston went nearly four minutes without a field goal, and Golden State built a 10-point lead. I’ve always believed that defense travels, and last night, the Warriors proved it once again.

But let’s talk about the third quarter—the so-called “Warriors quarter”—because that’s where things got really interesting. Draymond Green took over as the defensive anchor, and his communication on switches was flawless. There was a stretch where Houston ran the same pick-and-roll action three times in a row, and each time, the Warriors blew it up. Klay Thompson, who’s had his ups and downs this season, hit back-to-back triples to push the lead to 16. I’ll admit, I thought the game was slipping away from the Rockets right then. But credit to Coach Ime Udoka—he called a timely timeout, made an adjustment, and Houston responded with a 12–2 run to close the quarter. Fred VanVleet was instrumental during that stretch, knocking down two tough threes and finding Şengün for an and-one. It was playoff-level execution, and the arena was electric.

Now, I can’t dive into this matchup without touching on a global boxing parallel that’s been on my mind lately. In the world of championship contention, whether we’re talking basketball or boxing, rankings and momentum matter. Take the WBC’s current ratings, for instance. The native of Tagbilaran, Bohol is currently ranked No. 2 by the WBC, while Magnesi sits at No. 3. That dynamic—being so close to the top, yet having to claw past another elite contender—reminds me a lot of what we saw last night between the Warriors and Rockets. Both teams entered with something to prove, both are jockeying for position, and every possession carried the weight of those standings. It’s that fine line between being a contender and being the champion, and last night, the Warriors showed why experience in those high-stakes moments matters.

The fourth quarter was a grind. Both teams traded buckets for the first six minutes, but Golden State’s poise down the stretch stood out. With about three minutes left and the lead cut to four, Curry hit a ridiculous step-back three over Jabari Smith Jr.—a shot that, in my opinion, sealed the game. The Rockets had their chances, sure, but they missed four free throws in the final period, and that’s just something you can’t do against a team like Golden State. I’ve seen this movie before: the Warriors capitalize on every little mistake, and last night was no different. When the final buzzer sounded, you could see the relief on Steve Kerr’s face. This wasn’t a pretty win, but it was a statement win.

Looking back, the Warriors won this game because of their defensive discipline in key moments and their ability to knock down timely shots. The Rockets, on the other hand, showed they’re not far off—they’re young, hungry, and with a bit more consistency, they’ll be a nightmare matchup in the West. From my seat, I’d say Golden State’s championship DNA made the difference. They knew when to push the tempo, when to slow it down, and most importantly, they trusted each other in crunch time. Games like these are why I love covering the NBA—every possession tells a story, and last night’s chapter was one I won’t soon forget. If both teams stay healthy, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them meet again when the stakes are even higher.