On Thanksgiving Eve, in a game that defied expectations and silenced a roaring home crowd, the Houston Rockets completed one of the most improbable comebacks of the 2025-26 NBA season, defeating the Golden State Warriors 118-116 at the Chase Center in San Francisco. The win wasn’t just a statement—it was a seismic shift in the Western Conference landscape. With 5.4 seconds left and the game tied, Reed Shepard, a 23-year-old guard whose name barely registered on NBA radars before this season, sank two icy-cold free throws to put Houston ahead. The Warriors’ final desperation heave from Moody clanged off the rim, sealing a 12-point comeback that felt more like a Hollywood script than a basketball game.
Halftime Collapse Turned Miracle
The Warriors, riding a 6-1 home record and the momentum of a 134-117 win over the Utah Jazz just days earlier, looked unstoppable in the first half. Steph Curry was surgical from deep, and Draymond Green orchestrated the defense like a conductor. At halftime, Golden State led 68-56. Fans were already planning their post-game celebrations. But something changed in the locker room. According to sideline reports, Rockets head coach Ime Udoka didn’t yell. He didn’t pace. He simply said: "They think they’ve got us. Prove them wrong." The Rockets came out in the third quarter like a team possessed. They outscored the Warriors 34-19, forcing six turnovers and converting them into fast-break points. Shepard exploded for 18 points in the period alone, hitting three three-pointers and attacking the rim with a ferocity rarely seen from a rookie in his first full season. By the end of the third, Houston was up by two.Who Carried the Load?
Shepard’s 30-point night wasn’t just a career-high—it was a franchise-defining performance. He shot 11-of-21 from the field, 5-of-8 from deep, and was perfect at the line (3-of-3). But he wasn’t alone. Capella dominated the paint with 18 points and 12 rebounds, while Tate added 14 points and five assists, often drawing double teams to free up Shepard. For Golden State, Steph Curry finished with 28 points and seven assists, but struggled with his usual rhythm in the fourth, going 2-of-8 from the field after the third quarter. Rookie Richard, who had been a bright spot all season, added 14 points but couldn’t answer the final push. Moody, the Warriors’ third-leading scorer, missed his final three attempts, including the game’s last shot.Why This Game Changes Everything
This wasn’t just about one win. It was about momentum, identity, and the psychological toll of losing at home after leading by 12. The Warriors entered the game with the best home record in the West. They were 7-1 in games where they led at halftime. Now? They’ve lost three of their last four in such situations. Meanwhile, the Rockets—once considered a rebuilding project—now sit at 12-4 on the season, the second-best record in the Western Conference. Their road performance is historic: 7-2 away, including wins over the Suns, Mavericks, and now the Warriors. And here’s the kicker: they’ve won eight of their last nine first quarters on the road, while Golden State has lost seven of their last eight opening frames. That’s not luck. That’s execution. The NBA Cup—a midseason tournament many dismissed as a marketing gimmick—suddenly feels meaningful. The Rockets didn’t just win a trophy; they announced themselves as contenders. And for the Warriors? Coach Steve Kerr now faces a critical question: Is this a fluke, or a sign his team’s defense is cracking under pressure?
History, Numbers, and What’s Next
The head-to-head history between these franchises is lopsided: 51 wins for Golden State, 29 for Houston, across 80 meetings. But this game flips the script. The average scoring in their matchups? 214.7 points. Tonight? 234. A high-scoring affair, yes—but the defense tightened when it mattered most. On November 27, Scores24.live published a prediction that now looks eerily prescient: "We believe that even Curry’s sharpshooting won’t prevent the visitors from at least holding their own." They even predicted Houston would cover the +4.5 spread. They got it right. The Rockets’ next game? A home matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers. The Warriors? A back-to-back in Denver. But everyone’s already looking ahead to the next meeting between these two—scheduled for January 15 in Houston. If the Warriors want to reclaim their dominance, they’ll need more than Curry. They’ll need consistency. And right now, they’re missing it.What This Means for the Playoffs
The Western Conference is a war zone. The Suns, Nuggets, and Lakers are all in the mix. But the Rockets’ ability to win on the road, close out tight games, and get production from unexpected sources makes them dangerous. Shepard isn’t just a rookie—he’s becoming the kind of closer teams build championships around. Golden State, meanwhile, is stuck in a pattern: explosive offense, shaky defense, and mental lapses when it counts. They’re still talented. But talent doesn’t win titles. Clutch execution does. And on Thanksgiving Eve, the Rockets reminded everyone who’s learning how to do it.Frequently Asked Questions
How did Reed Shepard’s performance compare to other rookies in NBA history?
Shepard’s 30-point game in a playoff-style finale ranks among the top rookie performances in clutch moments since 2020. Only Luka Dončić (2019) and Victor Wembanyama (2024) have matched his combination of volume scoring and composure under pressure in high-stakes games. His free throw percentage (92% this season) is the highest among all rookies with over 100 attempts.
Why is the NBA Cup considered significant despite being a midseason tournament?
Though initially seen as promotional, the NBA Cup has become a critical momentum builder. Teams use it to test lineups, evaluate young players, and build chemistry before the playoffs. Winning it grants home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs for the top seed in each conference—making it more than just a trophy. This year, the Rockets’ Cup win could directly impact their seeding.
What does this loss mean for Steve Kerr’s coaching future?
Kerr’s job isn’t in immediate danger, but his inability to fix Golden State’s late-game defensive lapses is raising eyebrows. After losing three of their last four games when leading at halftime, critics are asking if Kerr’s offensive system is too reliant on Curry. His contract runs through 2026, but if the Warriors miss the top four seeds, front office pressure could mount significantly.
How unusual is it for a team to overcome a 12-point halftime deficit in a playoff-style game?
Since 2015, only 17% of teams trailing by 12+ at halftime in postseason or tournament games have come back to win. The Rockets’ victory makes them one of just three teams this season to accomplish that feat against a top-5 opponent. The last time Houston did it? 2018 against the Spurs. This time, they did it on the road, against a team with a 6-1 home record.
What’s the significance of Houston’s road performance this season?
The Rockets are now 7-2 on the road, the best record among Western Conference teams outside the top three seeds. Their ability to win first quarters on the road (8 of last 9) suggests they’ve mastered the art of starting fast and imposing their pace. This is a stark contrast to last season, when they were 12-29 away. The turnaround is the result of better defensive discipline and improved ball movement under new offensive coordinator Jamal Crawford.
Who are the key players to watch in the next Rockets-Warriors matchup?
Shepard and Capella for Houston will be the focal points, especially if Golden State tries to double-team Curry. For the Warriors, the return of Andrew Wiggins from injury (expected January 10) could shift the balance. But if Draymond Green continues to struggle with fouls and late-game focus, the Warriors’ defense may again collapse under pressure.