Durant, Sengun Lead Rockets Past Warriors 115-108

First Quarter Dominance

The Houston Rockets established control early, jumping out to a 35-20 lead in the opening period. The home crowd at Toyota Center witnessed a swift start fueled by efficient perimeter shooting and aggressive drives. Fred VanVleet provided a crucial spark from beyond the arc, draining a 26-foot three-pointer assisted by Alperen Sengun to help build an early cushion.

Kevin Durant was also instrumental in the first quarter, contributing significantly to the Rockets' offensive flow with multiple scoring plays, including a running layup and a pull-up jumper.

Golden State attempted to answer back, with Brandin Podziemski hitting a three-pointer to tie the game briefly at 3-3, but Houston maintained its momentum. The Warriors managed to cut into the deficit slightly before the break, yet they trailed significantly at halftime.

The first quarter set the tone for a game where Houston’s offense operated with clarity and precision, outscoring their visitors by 15 points in the opening frame alone.

Second and Third Quarter Adjustments

The second quarter saw Golden State narrow the gap, winning the period 31-21 to make the contest more competitive. Yaxel Lendeborg began to find his rhythm for the Warriors, eventually finishing with a game-high 25 points and 10 rebounds. Draymond Green facilitated the offense effectively for Golden State, dishing out seven assists throughout the night.

However, Houston’s defense tightened up in key moments, preventing the Warriors from mounting a full comeback.

The third quarter was a tightly contested battle, with both teams trading baskets. The Rockets edged the period 29-28, maintaining their lead. Alperen Sengun continued to be a force on the glass, pulling down rebounds that allowed Houston to control the pace.

Despite Golden State's efforts to close the distance, the Rockets’ balanced attack kept them ahead. The defensive intensity remained high as both sides vied for possession and scoring opportunities.

Fourth Quarter Execution and Final Result

Houston sealed the victory in the fourth quarter, outscoring Golden State 30-29. The Rockets extended their lead with timely three-point shooting from Reed Sheppard and Fred VanVleet. Sengun’s playmaking was vital, as he recorded nine assists to complement his double-double performance. Durant added 20 points, providing steady scoring throughout the game.

The final score stood at 115-108 in favor of Houston. The victory improved the Rockets’ record to 9-3 on the season. For Golden State, the loss dropped their record to 8-4. The game highlighted Houston’s ability to execute under pressure and their depth in scoring, while also showcasing Lendeborg’s individual effort for the Warriors despite the defeat.

Post-Game Context

The Rockets’ win demonstrates their resilience at home, leveraging strong first-half performances and consistent support from key contributors like Sengun and Durant. The Warriors fought hard, led by Lendeborg’s scoring and Green’s passing, but could not overcome the early deficit. Both teams continue to navigate a competitive Western Conference landscape as the season progresses.

Sources

ESPN