Rockets Edge Warriors in Thriller; Sengun Delivers Decisive Shot

The Houston Rockets secured a 117-116 victory against the Golden State Warriors, with Alperen Sengun making the decisive go-ahead layup with 11 seconds remaining, assisted by Kevin Durant.

Sengun Seals Late Victory

Houston claimed a narrow 117-116 win over Golden State in a hard-fought contest. Alperen Sengun's go-ahead layup with 11 seconds left proved to be the game-winner, assisted by Kevin Durant.

Before Sengun's heroics, Gary Payton II had briefly given the Warriors a temporary lead. His go-ahead basket with 20 seconds remaining occurred on a goaltend by Amen Thompson.

Curry's Return and Final Shot

Stephen Curry made his anticipated comeback after more than two months sidelined by a right knee injury. He missed a long 3-pointer in the game's final seconds that could have clinched the win for the Warriors.

Curry scored 29 points on 11-for-21 shooting in just 26 minutes, marking his first game since January 30.

Curry was met with a standing ovation upon entering the game at the 4:54 mark of the first quarter, marking his first time coming off the bench in a regular-season game since March 7, 2012.

He last played as a reserve during Game 4 of the 2022 playoffs.

Key Contributions and Game Flow

Kevin Durant was a major force for the Rockets, tallying 31 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists. Durant also hit a crucial 3-pointer with 2:10 remaining, keeping the Rockets in contention during the closing minutes.

The game featured a tense final stretch. Curry's driving layup narrowed the score to a one-point difference with 1:27 left. Sengun then completed a three-point play, which was quickly answered by a Curry 3-pointer, setting the stage for the dramatic final seconds.

Other Notable Moments

Midway through the second quarter, Draymond Green and Jabari Smith Jr. were involved in an on-court exchange and had to be separated.

Smith Jr. contributed significantly for the Rockets, finishing with 23 points and nine rebounds. Sengun added 24 points to his game-winning shot, and Thompson recorded 18 points and seven assists.

A Historic Moment for the Currys

The game also marked a unique occasion: Stephen Curry and his younger brother Seth Curry played together for the first time when Stephen re-entered the game at 6:19 in the second quarter. According to Elias, this was the first instance of two brothers playing together in the Warriors franchise's history.