The Houston Rockets edged the Golden State Warriors 104–100 at Chase Center on Wednesday, November 26th, 2025, in a tense Emirates NBA Cup West Group C matchup that delivered playoff-level intensity. The Rockets showed composure down the stretch, surviving late Warriors pressure thanks to strong rebounding, timely scoring, and a standout offensive performance from rookie guard Reed Sheppard.
This match player stats were defined by physical play, defensive effort, and contrasting styles. Houston leaned on its youth and athleticism, while Golden State relied on veteran experience and half-court execution. Despite the Warriors shooting a higher overall field goal percentage, the Rockets’ control of the boards and ability to generate second-chance points proved decisive.
Houston finished the night shooting 39.4 percent from the field and 28.2 percent from three-point range, while Golden State posted 42.7 percent overall and 27.9 percent from beyond the arc. The difference came in rebounding and shot volume, where Houston’s 53 total rebounds and 99 field goal attempts created just enough of an advantage.
- Houston rebounds: 53
- Golden State rebounds: 47
- Houston field goal attempts: 99
- Golden State field goal attempts: 82
Houston Rockets Vs Golden State Warriors Match Player Stats
| Player | MIN | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | FT% | OREB | DREB | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TO | PF | PTS | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amen Thompson | 38:19 | 4 | 12 | 33.3 | 0 | 3 | 0.0 | 2 | 2 | 100 | 4 | 10 | 14 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 10 | 2 |
| Jabari Smith Jr. | 36:36 | 4 | 11 | 36.4 | 2 | 5 | 40.0 | 5 | 7 | 71.4 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 15 | 2 |
| Alperen Sengun | 34:34 | 7 | 18 | 38.9 | 0 | 4 | 0.0 | 2 | 5 | 40.0 | 4 | 2 | 6 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 16 | -14 |
| Josh Okogie | 23:39 | 1 | 5 | 20.0 | 1 | 3 | 33.3 | 0 | 2 | 0.0 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 3 | -13 |
| Reed Sheppard | 37:16 | 12 | 25 | 48.0 | 4 | 12 | 33.3 | 3 | 4 | 75.0 | 2 | 7 | 9 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 31 | 7 |
| Clint Capela | 18:04 | 3 | 8 | 37.5 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 8 | 4 | 12 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 16 |
| Aaron Holiday | 29:25 | 4 | 16 | 25.0 | 3 | 11 | 27.3 | 3 | 4 | 75.0 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 14 | 21 |
| JD Davison | 10:14 | 2 | 2 | 100 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| Jae’Sean Tate | 11:53 | 2 | 2 | 100 | 1 | 1 | 100 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 5 | -1 |
| Player | MIN | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | FT% | OREB | DREB | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TO | PF | PTS | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Will Richard | 28:01 | 7 | 12 | 58.3 | 2 | 7 | 28.6 | 2 | 2 | 100 | 3 | 3 | 6 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 18 | 1 |
| Jimmy Butler III | 32:35 | 6 | 11 | 54.5 | 2 | 4 | 50.0 | 7 | 7 | 100 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 21 | -4 |
| Draymond Green | 34:16 | 5 | 8 | 62.5 | 2 | 5 | 40.0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 1 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 12 | 9 |
| Moses Moody | 30:05 | 2 | 8 | 25.0 | 1 | 5 | 20.0 | 4 | 4 | 100 | 3 | 4 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 9 | 7 |
| Stephen Curry | 32:45 | 4 | 13 | 30.8 | 2 | 9 | 22.2 | 4 | 4 | 100 | 1 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 7 | 4 | 14 | 5 |
| Gary Payton II | 4:54 | 0 | 1 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| Quinten Post | 21:35 | 5 | 11 | 45.5 | 1 | 6 | 16.7 | 1 | 2 | 50.0 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 12 | -7 |
| Buddy Hield | 15:04 | 0 | 4 | 0.0 | 0 | 3 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -10 |
| Brandin Podziemski | 28:23 | 6 | 11 | 54.5 | 2 | 3 | 66.7 | 0 | 2 | 0.0 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 14 | -7 |
| Pat Spencer | 6:27 | 0 | 1 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -6 |
| Gui Santos | 5:55 | 0 | 2 | 0.0 | 0 | 1 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | -11 |
Reed Sheppard Leads All Scorers With Breakout Performance
Reed Sheppard delivered the defining performance of the game, pouring in 31 points in 37 minutes while shooting 12-of-25 from the floor. He connected on four three-pointers and added five assists, nine rebounds, and two blocks, showing his growing impact on both ends of the court.
Sheppard consistently attacked Golden State’s perimeter defenders, using changes of pace and sharp ball control to create separation. His scoring came in waves, with several timely baskets stopping Warriors momentum runs.
His stat line showcased his all-around contribution:
- 31 points
- 9 rebounds
- 5 assists
- 2 blocks
- 48.0 percent shooting
Sheppard’s +7 plus-minus reflected his value in critical moments, especially during the fourth quarter when Houston protected a narrow lead.
Amen Thompson Anchors The Glass And Defense
Amen Thompson had a quieter scoring night with 10 points, but his impact was massive in other areas. He grabbed 14 rebounds, including four on the offensive glass, and added three assists while playing nearly 39 minutes.
Thompson’s ability to track down loose balls and finish defensive possessions helped limit Golden State’s second chances. His rebounding was especially critical when the Warriors attempted late-game pushes.
Key contributions from Thompson included:
- 14 total rebounds
- Strong transition defense
- Physical perimeter coverage
- Hustle plays that changed momentum
Alperen Sengun And Jabari Smith Jr. Control The Frontcourt
Alperen Sengun finished with 16 points, six rebounds, and six assists, providing Houston with interior playmaking. Although his shooting efficiency was modest, his passing from the post opened lanes for cutters and shooters.
Jabari Smith Jr. added 15 points while hitting two three-pointers and drawing seven free-throw attempts. His versatility allowed Houston to stretch the floor and create spacing.
Their combined presence offered:
- Interior scoring options
- Post playmaking
- Rebounding support
- Defensive rim presence
Houston’s Bench Delivers Strong Impact
The Rockets received significant production from their second unit, which helped swing the game during key stretches.
Clint Capela was dominant on the glass, pulling down 12 rebounds in just 18 minutes, including eight offensive boards. Those second chances were critical in a four-point victory.
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Aaron Holiday was one of the most impactful players statistically, finishing with 14 points and a game-high +21 plus-minus. His perimeter shooting and ball movement stabilized the offense.
Other bench highlights included:
- JD Davison: Perfect 2-for-2 shooting
- Jae’Sean Tate: Efficient five points in limited minutes
- Capela’s elite rebounding presence
Golden State Relies On Balanced Scoring Attack
Golden State had six players score at least nine points, showing strong offensive balance despite the loss. Jimmy Butler III led the team with 21 points on 6-of-11 shooting while adding five assists and two steals.
Will Richard continued his strong form with 18 points on 58.3 percent shooting, hitting two three-pointers and grabbing six rebounds.
Draymond Green delivered one of his most complete games of the season:
- 12 points
- 9 rebounds
- 8 assists
- 2 blocks
He controlled the tempo defensively and facilitated ball movement from the high post.
Stephen Curry Struggles With Shooting But Contributes Elsewhere
Stephen Curry had an uncharacteristically tough shooting night, finishing with 14 points on 4-of-13 shooting and just 2-of-9 from three-point range. Houston’s defense forced him into contested shots and limited his clean looks.
Despite the struggles, Curry still contributed:
- 6 rebounds
- 5 assists
- High defensive activity
His seven turnovers, however, proved costly in a tightly contested game.
Brandin Podziemski And Young Guards Step Up
Brandin Podziemski delivered an efficient performance with 14 points on 6-of-11 shooting, including two three-pointers. His energy and off-ball movement helped spark the Warriors during the second and third quarters.
Moses Moody added nine points and seven rebounds, while Quinten Post scored 12 points with three steals and a block, showing strong defensive instincts.
These players provided:
- Perimeter shooting
- Defensive versatility
- Bench scoring support
Free Throw Efficiency Keeps Warriors Competitive
Golden State was excellent from the free-throw line, converting 18 of 21 attempts for an 85.7 percent rate. Houston, by comparison, shot 62.5 percent, leaving several points on the table.
However, the Warriors could not capitalize fully due to:
- Fewer field goal attempts
- Turnovers in key moments
- Houston’s dominance on the offensive glass
Turnovers And Rebounding Decide The Outcome
Houston committed only 10 turnovers compared to Golden State’s 16, a significant difference in a four-point game. Protecting the basketball allowed the Rockets to maximize their offensive possessions and limit transition opportunities for the Warriors.
Rebounding was another major separator:
- Rockets offensive rebounds: 25
- Warriors offensive rebounds: 13
- Total rebounding advantage: +6 for Houston
These extra possessions translated directly into second-chance scoring and clock control.
Defensive Intensity Defines Emirates NBA Cup Atmosphere
This game reflected the heightened urgency of the Emirates NBA Cup format. Defensive pressure was relentless, rotations were sharp, and every possession mattered. Both teams contested shots aggressively and forced difficult scoring opportunities.
Houston recorded:
- 7 steals
- 3 blocks
- Strong perimeter containment
Golden State countered with:
- 8 steals
- 5 blocks
- Active hands in passing lanes
Plus-Minus Leaders Show Game Flow
Plus-minus figures illustrated Houston’s control during critical stretches:
- Aaron Holiday: +21
- Clint Capela: +16
- Reed Sheppard: +7
For Golden State, the strongest marks included:
- Draymond Green: +9
- Moses Moody: +7
- Stephen Curry: +5
Despite solid individual numbers, Golden State’s negative bench plus-minus figures hurt their overall rhythm.
Inactive Players Shape Rotations
Houston played without several major names, including Kevin Durant, Fred VanVleet, and Dorian Finney-Smith, making the victory even more impressive. Their absence forced greater responsibility onto younger players, who responded with poise.
Golden State also missed key contributors such as Al Horford, Jonathan Kuminga, and De’Anthony Melton, limiting their lineup flexibility.
This game highlighted how depth and development are critical in high-pressure tournament environments.
- Houston’s youth showed maturity
- Golden State’s experience kept the game close
- Bench productivity tilted the final result
The Houston Rockets vs Golden State Warriors matchup was a showcase of emerging talent, disciplined defense, and NBA Cup intensity. Reed Sheppard’s scoring explosion, Amen Thompson’s rebounding dominance, and Clint Capela’s control of the glass defined Houston’s victory. Golden State battled through efficient performances from Butler, Green, and Richard, but turnovers and rebounding ultimately proved too costly in a four-point loss.