The Houston Rockets have secured the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference playoffs, prompting head coach Ime Udoka to make strategic decisions about player rest. In a recent game against the Los Angeles Clippers, key rotation players Fred VanVleet, Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr., Amen Thompson, and Dillon Brooks were held out for rest or minor injuries. Jalen Green, the team’s leading scorer, played limited minutes as the Rockets aim to maintain their momentum heading into the playoffs.

Despite a successful run with 15 wins in 17 games, Udoka faces the dilemma of balancing rest to prevent injuries with the risk of losing rhythm due to inactivity. He hinted that the Rockets might play their regulars in upcoming games against the Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets to keep the team sharp.

The Golden State Warriors have stumbled as they face pressure from contenders in the West, particularly after losing to the Houston Rockets, who unveiled a successful strategy against the reigning champs. The Rockets' long, athletic defenders effectively neutralized Stephen Curry, limiting him to just 3 points on 1-of-10 shooting. This marked a significant drop in performance for Curry, as the Warriors exhibited uncharacteristic playmaking struggles, resulting in 20 turnovers during the game.

Despite contributions from other players like Jimmy Butler, Brandin Poddziemski, and Buddy Hield, none could compensate for Curry's off-night. The Rockets, on the other hand, showcased a balanced offensive attack with Dillon Brooks, Jalen Green, and Alperen Sengun stepping up. This game serves as a blueprint for other teams looking to challenge the Warriors, although it remains to be seen if they can replicate the defensive intensity Houston displayed.

The Golden State Warriors' impressive five-game win streak came to a halt with a disappointing 106-96 defeat against the Houston Rockets. Facing one of the top defenses in the league, the Warriors struggled offensively, particularly superstar Stephen Curry, who managed a mere three points while shooting just 10% from the field. The Warriors' recent win streak featured victories over playoff contenders like the Memphis Grizzlies and Los Angeles Lakers, showcasing their potential. However, the Rockets disrupted their momentum, as key players like Dillon Brooks and Alperen Sengun propelled Houston to victory.

Despite the setback, Buddy Hield stepped up with 20 points off the bench, while Gary Payton II contributed effectively in his return from injury. The loss positioned the Warriors precariously in the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference. With their playoff race heating up, they face a critical back-to-back against the Phoenix Suns, featuring elite talents like Devin Booker and Kevin Durant.

Stephen Curry, a perennial scoring machine, faced an unusual struggle on Sunday against the Houston Rockets, finishing with just three points in a 106-96 loss. This marked the lowest point total for Curry in any game where he played over 30 minutes. The Rockets' defense, spearheaded by Amen Thompson, effectively neutralized Curry, forcing him to shoot just 1-for-10 from the field and 1-of-8 from beyond the arc. Despite entering the game riding high with recent performances of 52, 37, and 36 points, Curry couldn't find his rhythm.

Thompson's performance against Curry showcased his defensive prowess, as he relentlessly pressured the Warriors' star without committing fouls. Rockets coach Ime Udoka highlighted the team's focus on containing Curry, reflecting on Thompson's standout capability as a defender in only his second season. Teammate Alperen Sengun praised Thompson's intensity, noting how he has consistently locked down top players in the league. Conversely, Jimmy Butler commented on the physicality that Curry endures, suggesting the Rockets walked the fine line between strong defense and fouling effectively.

A thrilling win for the Houston Rockets as they dominated the Golden State Warriors 106-96, showcasing stellar defense that kept Steph Curry to just 3 points on 1-of-10 shooting. Amen Thompson was pivotal, recording a +26 rating during his time on the court, contributing significantly to Houston's current form with 15 wins in their last 17 games. With this victory, the Rockets solidified their position as the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, needing just one more win or one loss from the Los Angeles Lakers to clinch it.

Jalen Green led the offensive efforts with 21 points while Dillon Brooks and Alperen Sengun added 24 and 19 points, respectively, demonstrating a balanced attack that overwhelmed the Warriors. Houston's defense stifled Golden State, which managed only 20 points in the fourth quarter, snapping a five-game winning streak for the home team. This marks Houston's first win at Golden State in over five years, emphasizing their growth as contenders this season.