S³ NBA COVERAGE
November 12, 2026 | Sweet Science Sports
The Golden State Warriors entered Houston riding an eight-game winning streak, their longest since 2022. They left with a 115-108 loss and a much bigger concern than their record.
Stephen Curry is injured.
The Warriors had recovered from an 0-3 start to become one of the hottest teams in basketball. Curry was playing some of his best basketball, averaging 30.6 points per game, while Golden State's supporting cast was finally providing the production it needed.
Houston put an end to that momentum Wednesday night.
The Rockets didn't need Kevin Durant to deliver a 40-point masterpiece or Alperen Sengun to carry the offense. They got contributions throughout their lineup, shooting 51 percent from the field and controlling the paint.
Six Houston players scored in double figures, and when Golden State threatened to steal the game in the fourth quarter, the Rockets had enough offensive weapons to put it away.
Houston's Balanced Attack Was Too Much
Kevin Durant led Houston with 20 points, four rebounds and five assists, but the most impressive performance came from Sengun.
The Rockets center finished with 19 points, 13 rebounds and nine assists, falling one assist short of a triple-double.
Sengun continues to demonstrate why he's such an important piece of Houston's offense. His passing ability creates opportunities for teammates, while his presence inside forces defenses to make difficult decisions.
Amen Thompson added 19 points and seven rebounds. Fred VanVleet contributed 18 points and six assists, while Jabari Smith Jr. finished with 14 points and eight rebounds.
Reed Sheppard scored 13 points, providing timely perimeter shooting when Houston needed it most.
| Houston player | PTS | REB | AST |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kevin Durant | 20 | 4 | 5 |
| Alperen Sengun | 19 | 13 | 9 |
| Amen Thompson | 19 | 7 | 4 |
| Fred VanVleet | 18 | 2 | 6 |
| Jabari Smith Jr. | 14 | 8 | 0 |
| Reed Sheppard | 13 | 1 | 1 |
Houston also outscored Golden State 50-34 in the paint.
That's the kind of offensive balance that makes the Rockets dangerous. Durant remains their best individual scorer, but Houston doesn't have to depend on him to dominate every night.
And against a Golden State team suddenly missing its most important player, that balance made the difference.
Curry's Injury Changes Everything
Curry's night lasted just six minutes.
After connecting on a three-pointer in the first quarter, the Warriors guard grabbed his right side and walked toward the bench in obvious discomfort.
He eventually headed to the locker room and never returned.
The team reported right abdominal soreness, and Curry underwent an MRI following his early departure. Coach Steve Kerr expressed concern about the injury but couldn't provide a timetable for his return.
That's troubling news for Golden State.
Curry wasn't simply playing well during the Warriors' winning streak. He was carrying an offense that had struggled to establish consistency without him in previous seasons.
Golden State was averaging 120.4 points per game entering Wednesday.
Without Curry, the Warriors had to find offense elsewhere.
Fortunately, rookie Yaxel Lendeborg was ready for the challenge.
Yaxel Lendeborg Continues to Impress
Lendeborg finished with 25 points and 10 rebounds, leading Golden State in both categories.
Brandin Podziemski added 22 points, six rebounds and four assists.
Those two performances kept the Warriors competitive despite Curry's absence.
Golden State trailed by 15 early, fought back and eventually pulled within three points early in the fourth quarter.
The Warriors had every opportunity to make Houston uncomfortable.
But the Rockets responded.
Sheppard knocked down consecutive three-pointers, VanVleet joined the perimeter attack, and Houston turned a three-point advantage into a comfortable lead.
Golden State simply couldn't generate enough offense to match Houston down the stretch.
The Warriors shot 41 percent from the field and 33 percent from three-point range.
Their young players competed, but the absence of Curry's scoring and ability to draw defensive attention was difficult to overcome.
Houston Is Becoming a Serious Western Conference Threat
The Rockets improved to 9-3 with the victory, continuing to establish themselves among the better teams in the Western Conference.
Houston has an interesting combination of experienced veterans and developing young talent.
Durant gives them a proven scorer who understands how to perform in big moments. Sengun provides an offensive presence in the middle, while Thompson supplies athleticism, defense and energy.
VanVleet brings stability at point guard, and Houston's younger players are becoming more comfortable contributing meaningful minutes.
The Rockets aren't relying on one player to win basketball games.
That's important in a Western Conference that looks increasingly competitive.
Oklahoma City is dealing with injuries. San Antonio is playing outstanding basketball. The Lakers, Timberwolves and Trail Blazers are all making noise.
Houston belongs in that conversation.
What's Next for Golden State?
One loss doesn't erase eight consecutive victories.
Golden State is still 8-4, and its young players have demonstrated that they can contribute alongside Curry.
But the Warriors' immediate concern isn't their position in the standings.
It's Curry's health.
At 38 years old, Curry remains one of the NBA's elite offensive players. Replacing his production over an extended period would be difficult for any team, regardless of its depth.
Golden State travels to San Antonio on Friday, where another dangerous Western Conference opponent awaits.
Whether Curry will be available remains uncertain.
For Houston, Wednesday's victory was another indication that its roster has the balance to compete against quality opponents.
For Golden State, the winning streak is over.
Now the Warriors have to hope their most important player's absence doesn't become a much bigger problem.
S³ Assessment: Houston deserves credit for the victory. Six players scored in double figures, Sengun nearly recorded a triple-double, and the Rockets responded every time Golden State threatened to make a comeback.
Curry's injury certainly changed the complexion of the game, but Houston still had to finish the job.
The Rockets did exactly that.
The Warriors lost one game. Losing Curry for an extended period would be a much more serious setback.
