Draymond Green's comeback propels Warriors to a 106-95 victory against Rockets
Stephen Curry's incredible performance led the Golden State Warriors to a gritty win against the Houston Rockets. Chris Paul's return to the bench for the first time in his career was a reminder of his effectiveness. The Warriors' bench unit also played a crucial role in the victory.
In a thrilling Sunday matinee, the Golden State Warriors faced off against the young and promising Houston Rockets. The game was filled with twists and turns, keeping fans on the edge of their seats until the final minutes.
However, it was during the late stages of the game, just after six o'clock, that Stephen Curry took over. With the Warriors leading 88-87 and 5:10 remaining in the fourth quarter, Curry drained a three-pointer, extending their lead to 91-87.
What followed was a remarkable display of skill and precision by Curry. In a span of two minutes, he hit four consecutive three-pointers, propelling the Warriors to a commanding 100-89 lead with 3:15 left on the clock. Even Curry himself was amazed by his own performance.
Curry's incredible performance not only blew his own mind but also led his team to a hard-fought 106-95 victory. It was a triumphant return for Draymond Green, who rejoined the starting lineup after an injury. In his 20 minutes on the court, Green contributed four points, five rebounds, and five assists. His presence had a significant impact, forcing Chris Paul to come off the bench for the first time in his 19-year career.
Paul, known for his durability and consistency, had previously played and started in a record-breaking 1,365 consecutive games (including regular season and playoffs) until this game. To put this achievement into perspective, the next closest player is Damian Lillard, who has started in 831 straight games.
Despite coming off the bench, Paul seamlessly fit in with the team, making an immediate impact. He had an impressive plus/minus rating of +23 in the first half and +22 overall. Although his final stat line of eight points, five rebounds, and seven assists may not stand out, it exemplifies the type of performance that has become expected from Paul at this stage of his career.
So what sets Paul apart and allows him to remain effective despite his mileage? It's his exceptional court vision, his ability to create opportunities for his teammates regardless of the unit he's playing with, and most importantly, his ability to take care of the ball. In just three games this season, Paul has recorded 28 assists, five turnovers, and six steals.
It's worth mentioning that Paul was once a member of the Houston Rockets and was seen as a formidable opponent by the Warriors. However, this game served as a reminder that the Chris Paul experiment in Golden State is paying off, as he has seamlessly transitioned from foe to friend.
Before Curry took over the game, the Warriors' bench unit made a significant impact, particularly in the first half. In just eight minutes without Curry on the court, the bench players had a plus/minus rating of +16, turning a three-point deficit into a 13-point lead. This was undoubtedly a positive development for Warriors coach Steve Kerr.
One player who stood out in the first half was Gary Payton II, who showcased his skills and played the role of a Stephen Curry impersonator. Payton led all reserves with 12 points on an impressive 5-for-6 shooting performance.
Ultimately, it was the collective effort of the Warriors' bench unit and Curry's brilliance that propelled them to a satisfying road win, improving their record to 2-1 for the season. The team will now travel to New Orleans to face the Pelicans, aiming to secure their third victory before returning to Chase Center to take on the Sacramento Kings once again.
Comments on Draymond Green's comeback propels Warriors to a 106-95 victory against Rockets