Warriors Edge Rockets In Overtime Thriller As Playoff Race Heats Up
Warriors Edge Rockets In Overtime Thriller As Playoff Race Heats Up...
The Golden State Warriors defeated the Houston Rockets 135-133 in a high-stakes overtime battle Sunday night at Chase Center, tightening the Western Conference playoff race. Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 42 points, including a clutch three-pointer in the final minute of OT, while Rockets rookie Amen Thompson scored a career-high 38 in the loss.
The game is trending nationally as both teams fight for postseason positioning with just two weeks remaining in the regular season. The Warriors (42-35) moved into 9th place in the West, while the Rockets (38-39) saw their six-game winning streak snapped, damaging their play-in tournament hopes.
"This was a playoff atmosphere in April," Warriors coach Steve Kerr told reporters postgame. "Houston came in red-hot, and we knew we had to match their energy." The Rockets had won 11 of their last 12 games before Sunday's defeat, creating buzz around their unexpected late-season surge.
Key moments included a controversial no-call on what appeared to be Draymond Green's goaltending with 8 seconds left in regulation, and Jalen Green's potential game-winning three rimming out at the OT buzzer. The NBA's Last Two Minute Report, due Monday afternoon, is expected to draw significant attention.
Social media erupted during the game, with #WarriorsvsRockets trending on Twitter/X as fans debated officiating and playoff implications. The matchup drew particular interest after the teams' heated March 13 meeting, which featured ejections and postgame comments about "dirty play" from both sides.
With five games remaining, the Warriors now hold a two-game lead over Houston for the final play-in spot. The teams could meet again in the 9-10 elimination game if current standings hold. Golden State visits Houston on April 15 in what may become a decisive regular-season finale.
NBA analysts note the Rockets' remaining schedule (facing four playoff-bound teams) makes their path difficult, while the Warriors play three sub-.500 opponents. Sunday's result marked Golden State's league-leading 12th overtime game this season, tying a franchise record.
Ticket prices for both teams' remaining home games have spiked 27% since Friday according to SeatGeek data, reflecting heightened fan interest. The Warriors-Rockets rivalry, dormant in recent years, has regained relevance with Houston's improved roster and both franchises fighting to extend their seasons.
