The Warriors almost put on an offensive display in the first quarter. The ball moves, they have open shots and it falls in at 3-points. Buddy Hield enters and joins the party with three winning baskets in a matter of moments. The Rockets are stunned (20-38). Jonathan Kuminga pushes them even further with his free throws at the start of the second quarter. The gap climbs to thirty points since Ime Udoka’s men are powerless against the excellent defense of Golden State (43-71).
The Texans come back after the break with much better intentions and above all with external skill. As Golden State is less impressive at 3-points, and with some valuable offensive rebounds, from Alperen Sengun or Tari Eason, they manage to reduce the gap before the last quarter (80-96). And the wave continues at the start of the last act, with a 13-0 to start! Everything has to be done again for the Warriors…
Tari Eason’s activity does a lot of damage but by ensuring free throws and with the precious baskets of Brandin Podziemski, Steve Kerr’s men think they will get by. Except that Jabari Smith Jr. gives hope with a winning basket, when a bad throw-in from Draymond Green gives the Rockets the opportunity to equalize.
Tari Eason doesn’t tremble at free throws. We go into overtime (119-119). These five additional minutes belong to Jonathan Kuminga, who scored six points to give his team the victory (121-127). But this third victory in a row was difficult to validate…
WHAT TO REMEMBER
– The Warriors machine seizes up. What to remember in such a scenario: the first or second half of Golden State? Impressive in all areas before the break, the Warriors then lost their momentum, pushed around by the Rockets. The second half was painful offensively and it was the individualities, in sequences, here Brandin Podziemski, there Buddy Hield, or Jonathan Kuminga in overtime, who saved the affair.
– The enormous energy of Tari Eason. It was he who revived the Rockets, with his will and his presence. Whether stealing balls, offensive rebounds, or with his dunks, the Houston player was everywhere and, in the second half, he was a nightmare for the Warriors. It was he who even made the two free throws to clinch overtime even though, a few moments earlier, he had made 0/2 in this exercise. He finished with 27 points (22 in the second half), 9 rebounds (including 6 offensive), 4 steals and 3 blocks.
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
