Jonathan Kuminga delivered a career-best performance, scoring 33 points to lead the Golden State Warriors to a 99-93 victory over the Houston Rockets on Thursday.
The win ended the Warriors’ five-game losing streak and halted Houston’s momentum, dropping them to 15-8 on the season.
Golden State was without key players Stephen Curry and Draymond Green due to injuries. Despite their absence, Andrew Wiggins contributed 23 points, while Brandin Podziemski grabbed 12 rebounds in a solid team effort. Kevon Looney, making just his second start this season, added 11 rebounds as the Warriors dominated the paint.
Houston’s Alperen Sengun led the Rockets with 16 points and eight rebounds, while Dillon Brooks added 15 points. However, the Rockets struggled offensively, shooting just 37.6% from the field and 26.3% from beyond the arc.
The Warriors’ defense proved instrumental, as they held Houston to 10-for-38 shooting from deep and outrebounded the Rockets 54-45. Wiggins’ back-to-back four-point plays before halftime gave Golden State a six-point lead, which they never relinquished.
Golden State capitalized on Houston’s foul trouble, scoring 18 points from the free-throw line. The Warriors also recorded 52 points in the paint, showcasing their physical presence against the Rockets’ big men, including Steven Adams, who managed six points and six rebounds off the bench.
With the win, the Warriors improved to 13-8 and set the tone for the second half of their back-to-back. Curry and Green are expected to return for their next matchup, bolstering the team as they aim to build on Thursday’s hard-fought victory.
