The Houston Rockets pulled off one of the most improbable comebacks of the 2025-26 NBA season, erasing a 14-point second-half deficit to defeat the Golden State Warriors 104-100 on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at Chase Center in San Francisco. The win wasn’t just a statement—it was a signature moment for second-year guard Reed Sheppard, who dropped a career-high 31 points, adding nine rebounds, five assists, and four three-pointers, including two ice-cold free throws with 5.4 seconds left to seal the deal. The Rockets, now 12-4, didn’t just beat a team—they beat history. The Warriors, who entered the game 6-1 at home, had looked unstoppable. But in the final minutes, everything changed.
A Franchise on the Rise
For years, the Rockets were the league’s punchline—a team rebuilding through draft picks and long-term patience. But this season? Something’s different. They’re playing with confidence, pace, and a swagger that belies their youth. Sheppard, the 2024 lottery pick out of Kentucky, isn’t just playing well—he’s playing like a veteran. His 31-point outburst wasn’t a fluke; it was the culmination of weeks of steady growth. He attacked the rim, hit pull-ups from the elbow, and even drew fouls on drives that had Warriors defenders scrambling. And when the game was on the line? He didn’t flinch. Two free throws. No hesitation. Just pure poise.
Behind him, Alperen Sengun battled through a tough night shooting (7-of-18) but still managed 16 points and six rebounds, keeping the Warriors’ big men honest. The Rockets’ bench, often overlooked, delivered key minutes—especially from Amen Thompson, whose acrobatic floater with 2:12 left cut the lead to two. It was the kind of play that doesn’t show up in stat lines but shifts momentum.
Warriors’ Home Dominance Crumbles
Golden State had been untouchable at Chase Center. Six straight wins. A 6-1 home record. Steph Curry had been lighting up the Bay with his usual magic—18 points, eight assists, and a highlight reel pass to Jordan Poole for a corner three in the first half. Draymond Green, ever the engine, had 11 rebounds and five assists, while Jimmy Butler III, in his first season with the Warriors after a midsummer trade from Miami, led all scorers with 21 points and five rebounds. But none of it mattered when the fourth quarter turned.
The Warriors led by 12 at halftime. They were hitting 7 of their first 9 shots. They were playing with the rhythm of a championship team. But the Rockets’ defense tightened. They switched everything. They forced turnovers. And suddenly, the Warriors—so used to closing games with Curry’s step-back threes—looked rattled. A missed three from Andrew Wiggins (known in broadcast chatter as “Woody”) with 1:47 left was the turning point. Then, a steal by Sheppard led to a fast-break dunk by Sengun. The crowd, once roaring, fell silent.
The Final Sequence: A Masterclass in Execution
With 5.4 seconds left and Houston up 102-98, the Warriors had no timeouts. Curry inbounded to Butler, who drove and kicked to Kevon Looney—who was fouled. He made one of two. 102-99. Rockets ball. Sheppard was fouled immediately. He stepped to the line. The arena held its breath. He made both. 104-99. Warriors ball. One last hope.
Steph Curry, the greatest closer in modern NBA history, was the intended target. But Houston’s defense knew it. They trapped him at halfcourt. He passed to Jordan Poole, who flipped it to Jonathan Kuminga (referred to as “Richard” in commentary)—who launched a three from the corner. The shot was off the mark. But the rebound went to Poole, who fired a desperation heave from 35 feet. It never had a chance. The buzzer sounded. The Rockets erupted.
“Smith doesn’t bite,” the YouTube highlights narrated. That’s the phrase that will echo. Defensive discipline. No foul. No give. Just perfect positioning. It was the kind of play that wins championships—and it came from a team many still consider a work in progress.
What This Means for the West
This wasn’t just a win. It was a signal. The Rockets aren’t just competing—they’re becoming contenders. At 12-4, they’re tied for the third-best record in the Western Conference. Meanwhile, the Warriors, now 10-10, are flirting with mediocrity. Their home streak? Gone. Their aura? Cracked. And Curry, for all his brilliance, looked frustrated on the bench in the final minute. He didn’t say a word.
The Emirates NBA Cup, a midseason tournament sponsored by the Dubai-based airline Emirates, was supposed to be a novelty. But games like this? They’re the reason it exists. It’s not just about trophies—it’s about drama. About proving something. And on Wednesday night, Houston proved they belong.
Behind the Scenes: Coaching and Culture
Ime Udoka, Houston’s head coach, didn’t say much after the game. But his staff was seen on the sideline in the fourth quarter, gesturing, pointing, calm under pressure. “Changun staff alerted Eay Udoka,” the YouTube commentary noted—a reference to a subtle timeout call that halted a Warriors run. Udoka’s system is built on defense, pace, and trust in young players. Sheppard, Sengun, Thompson—they’re not just assets. They’re the core.
For the Warriors, Steve Kerr’s rotation looked thin. Kevon Looney, who had 12 rebounds, was a beast. But without consistent scoring from their wings, they’re vulnerable. And with injuries lingering to James Wiseman (called “Davidson” in commentary) and Andrew Wiggins, the depth is thinning. This loss? It’s not just a stumble. It’s a warning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Reed Sheppard’s performance compare to other young guards in the NBA this season?
Reed Sheppard’s 31-point game against the Warriors ranks among the top individual performances by a second-year guard this season. Only Sacramento’s Keegan Murray (34 points in November) and Denver’s Jabari Smith Jr. (32 in October) have matched or exceeded it. Sheppard’s efficiency—7-of-14 from three, 8-of-9 from the line—makes it even more impressive. He’s now averaging 21.3 points per game, up from 11.8 last season.
Why was the Emirates NBA Cup game so significant for the Rockets’ season?
The win improved Houston’s record to 12-4, putting them in the top four of the Western Conference for the first time since 2018. More importantly, it was their fourth road win against a team with a winning record. The Rockets are now 4-1 on the road in December, a sign they’re no longer just a home team. This victory validated their potential as a playoff contender.
What does this loss mean for the Golden State Warriors’ playoff chances?
At 10-10, the Warriors are now tied for eighth in the West—barely above the play-in threshold. Their home record fell to 6-2, and they’ve lost three of their last five games. With a tough schedule ahead—including matchups against Denver, Phoenix, and Minnesota—they’ll need to win 70% of their remaining games to secure a top-six seed. This loss exposed their lack of offensive depth beyond Curry and Butler.
How did the Rockets’ defense turn the game around in the second half?
Houston switched to a 1-3-1 zone in the third quarter, forcing Golden State into 11 turnovers in the final 20 minutes. They also doubled Curry every time he crossed halfcourt, limiting him to just 2-of-8 shooting in the fourth. The Warriors, who shot 58% in the first half, fell to 39% after halftime. Sheppard and Amen Thompson led the defensive charge, with three steals and two blocks combined in the final period.
Is this the beginning of a new rivalry between the Rockets and Warriors?
It’s possible. The two teams haven’t had a true rivalry since the mid-2010s, when Houston pushed Golden State to seven games in the 2018 Western Conference Finals. But with Sheppard’s emergence and Curry’s aging core, this game feels like a passing of the torch. The Rockets are the new threat in the West. The Warriors are the fading dynasty. Their next meeting? January 15 in Houston—already sold out.
What’s next for the Emirates NBA Cup tournament?
The Rockets are now in the Western Conference semifinals, scheduled for December 10 in Las Vegas. The Warriors, eliminated after this loss, are the first top-seeded team to exit early in the tournament’s three-year history. The semifinals will feature Houston against either the Lakers or Suns, while the finals are set for December 17 at T-Mobile Arena. Emirates has already announced a $1 million bonus for the winning team.
