LJ Cryer spoke after Golden State’s 115-113 overtime victory at Toyota Center, reflecting on his role and mindset. “I was asked to and I felt good enough to do it. So just went out there and just tried to do my best,” Cryer said.
Cryer emphasized the physicality he aimed to bring as a smaller player. “It’s a lot different when I come in with me being a smaller player. So just try to bring some physicality to the game cuz, you know, playing against guys like Kevin Durant… we got to go out there and be aggressive and show them.”
The young guard highlighted the challenge of guarding Houston’s Reed Sheppard. “He’s a talented player. Can really shoot the ball. Competitor. I think he’s young too. So sky is kind of the limit for him,” Cryer noted. “But, you know, it was a great challenge for me to be able to go in and guard someone like that.”
Cryer also reflected on entering overtime unexpectedly. “That was also crazy too because I wasn’t expecting to go back in… first NBA overtime they threw me in there so I was just like, just make the most of it.”
Golden State relied on a balanced scoring effort in the absence of Stephen Curry, who missed his 12th consecutive game with a knee injury. Brandin Podziemski led with 26 points, while De’Anthony Melton added 23. Horford contributed 17 points, helping control the paint.
The Warriors trailed late in regulation before Horford’s three-pointer gave them a 101-99 lead, forcing overtime after a Rockets turnover. Key baskets and defensive plays by Podziemski and Melton in the final minutes helped secure the 115-113 win.
For Houston, Sheppard scored 30 points with six 3-pointers, and Kevin Durant added 23. Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson provided late-game contributions, but turnovers proved costly, with Houston committing 17 against Golden State’s 10.
The win improves Golden State to 32-30, keeping them in the Western Conference playoff hunt, while Houston falls to 38-23. The Warriors will visit the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday, and the Rockets host the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday.
