Warriors Blow Double-Digit Lead, Fall 104–100 to Rockets in Emirates NBA Cup Matchup
The Golden State Warriors suffered a tough 104–100 loss to the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night at Chase Center, letting a 14-point lead slip away in their final Emirates NBA Cup group-stage game.
Houston surged back with a dominant 27–17 third quarter, taking their first lead of the night in the fourth. Rookie sensation Reed Sheppard exploded for a career-high 31 points, carrying the Rockets down the stretch.
Golden State’s Jimmy Butler III led the Warriors with 21 points, while rookie Will Richard added 18 points and six rebounds. Brandin Podziemski contributed 14 points off the bench.
Warriors Open Hot Before Cold Second Half Shooting
Golden State started the night on fire, hitting their first five field goals, including four straight threes. Jimmy Butler III scored the first six points of the game, drilling back-to-back triples — the first off the dribble against Alperen Şengün, the second as the shot clock expired.
But after that scorching start, the offense fell apart.
- First half 3PT shooting: 10-for-22 (45.5%)
- Second half 3PT shooting: 2-for-21 (9.5%)
The dramatic shooting drop played a major role in Golden State’s collapse.
Warriors’ Late Second-Quarter Run Builds 12-Point Lead
With 3:30 left in the second quarter, Golden State led just 43–42. But a strong 16–5 run to close the half pushed the lead to 12, capped by Draymond Green’s last-second layup.
It would be the Warriors’ largest advantage of the night — and one they couldn’t protect.
Curry and Payton Exit Early With Injuries
The Warriors’ night got even tougher with two key injuries:
Stephen Curry – Quad Injury
- Left in the fourth quarter
- Played 33 minutes
- Posted 14 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists
Gary Payton II – Ankle Injury
- Exited in the second quarter
- Logged just 5 minutes
The team will reevaluate both players ahead of Saturday’s game.
Both Teams Eliminated From Emirates NBA Cup
Despite the defeat, Wednesday’s results around the league meant both the Warriors and Rockets were eliminated from the Emirates NBA Cup.
Golden State will now receive two additional regular-season games:
- Game 1: Dec. 11 or 12
- Game 2: Dec. 14 or 15
Tickets will be announced soon.
Warriors Honor Broadcasters Bob Fitzgerald and Tim Roye
During the game, the Warriors celebrated longtime broadcasters Bob Fitzgerald and Tim Roye, each with more than 30 years covering the franchise across TV and radio.
Next Up: Pelicans on Saturday, Thunder on Tuesday
Golden State continues its five-game homestand with two major matchups:
Saturday vs. New Orleans Pelicans
- 5:30 p.m. PT
- First 10,000 fans receive a Kevon Looney commemorative pin
- Looney’s first game at Chase Center as an opponent after 10 seasons & 3 titles
Tuesday vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
- 8 p.m. PT
- Thunder currently sit atop the NBA
- Led by reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander