ORACLE ARENA -- The Golden State Warriors surrendered an early 41-28 lead and watched the visiting Houston Rockets mount a fierce rally that resulted in a 94-88 victory here at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, California.
With their impressive win, the 34-29 Rockets sliced the 35-28 Warriors' lead to one in the race for the sixth playoffs spot in the Western Conference.
Chandler Parsons made nine of 13 field goals for 26 points and led the Rockets on a night when their top player, James Harden, struggled mightily. Harden finished with 20 points but he missed 15 of 18 shots.
"We definitely had some positive steps in our defense," said James Harden during the post game interview. "On the road, playoff-atmosphere game, it shows the type of camaraderie we've got and the kind of togetherness we're building.
Jeremy Lin added 15 points and Carlos Delfino scored 12 off the bench. Houston attempted 35 free throws compared to just 20 for Golden State and the Rockets outscored the Warriors by 11 at the line.
Golden State has yet to figure out a reliable place to go for timely, high percentage offense and it cost them dearly tonight.
When the Warriors needed buckets, they couldn't get them against a Rocket defense that is ranked 29th in points allowed (103.8 %) and 22nd in field goal percentage defense (46.2 %).
"I thought at times we were careless. I thought at times we were too passive," Golden State Warriors coach Mark Jackson said. "We didn't put the pressure on them. We settled. I think that was the difference. We settled."
Stephen Curry scored 24 points for the Warriors, Klay Thompson scored 22 and David Lee scored 16 points despite of the right knee contusion at 4:36 in the first quarter.
''I've been waiting eight years to be in a playoff race,'' David Lee said. ''Once the doctors told me I couldn't do anything worse to hurt it, I was going to play.''
The Warriors entered the fourth quarter leading points but did not score in nearly seven minutes as Houston took control. The Rockets outscored the Golden State 21-22 in the final quarter.
Andrew Bogut contributed three points, 11 rebounds, four steals and two blocks in 28 minutes. (RPM)
Comments
Share your thoughts on the above article by Ryan Medida.