SAN FRANCISCO — The Houston Rockets defeated the Golden State Warriors 117-116 in an exciting NBA matchday, a game marked by Stephen Curry's return after more than two months away. Kevin Durant, with 31 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists, led Houston to victory, while Alperen Sengun hit the go-ahead basket with 11 seconds remaining.
The game had a dramatic finish in the final moments. With the score tight, Gary Payton II had momentarily put the Golden State Warriors ahead thanks to a play that was ruled a goaltending violation by Amen Thompson with 20 seconds left. However, on the next possession, Kevin Durant took over offensively and found Alperen Sengun, who converted the layup that gave the Houston Rockets back the lead.
The Warriors had one last chance. Stephen Curry, returning after missing 27 games due to a right knee injury, attempted a deep three-pointer from the top of the key in the final seconds, but the shot missed and the Houston Rockets secured the victory.
The game had entered its decisive stretch with a constant exchange of baskets. Stephen Curry brought Golden State Warriors within one with a layup with 1:27 remaining. Shortly after, Alperen Sengun responded with a three-pointer for Houston, though Curry immediately answered with a three-pointer that tied the game again.
The offensive load for the Houston Rockets throughout the night fell mainly on Kevin Durant, who in addition to his 31 points delivered a complete performance against his former team. The small forward also hit a crucial three-pointer with 2:10 remaining that kept Houston ahead in the game's decisive stretch.
For the Texas team, Alperen Sengun also stood out with 24 points, Jabari Smith Jr., who contributed 23 points and 9 rebounds, and Amen Thompson, who added 18 points and 7 assists.
For the Golden State Warriors, the focus was on Stephen Curry's return, who finished with 29 points on 11-of-21 shooting in just 26 minutes of play. The point guard was greeted with an ovation from the Chase Center crowd when he entered the game with 4:54 remaining in the first quarter, marking his first appearance since January 30.
The game also featured a unique moment when Stephen Curry and his brother Seth Curry took the court together for the first time in Golden State Warriors franchise history, an unprecedented occurrence according to Elias Sports Bureau records.
The victory keeps the Houston Rockets in contention in the NBA standings in the final stretch of the regular season, while the Golden State Warriors continue fighting to improve their position in the West with Stephen Curry now healthy to face the final weeks of the season.