The Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets rivalry has evolved dramatically since its peak in the late 2010s. Gone are the days of James Harden’s iso-ball and the Warriors’ Hamptons Five. But as the 2024-2025 NBA season heats up, this matchup has regained its buzz, blending the Warriors’ quest for one last title run with the Rockets’ rise as Western Conference disruptors. Let’s dive into the latest chapter of this storied feud.
2025 Context: Warriors’ Last Dance vs. Rockets’ Arrival
The Warriors entered this season with a clear mantra: “One more for the core.” Stephen Curry (37), Draymond Green (35), and Klay Thompson (34) are all in contract years, and the franchise has leaned into nostalgia while cautiously integrating youth. Jonathan Kuminga (22) and Brandin Podziemski (23) now shoulder heavier roles, and 2024 lottery pick Isaiah Collier has emerged as a sparkplug off the bench.
Meanwhile, the Rockets have completed their rebuild. Jalen Green (23) and Alperen Şengün (23) are bona fide All-Stars, flanked by defensive stalwart Jabari Smith Jr. and 2023 No. 4 pick Amen Thompson, who’s blossomed into a triple-double threat. After a shocking play-in tournament run in 2024, Houston added veteran sharpshooter Malik Beasley and re-signed coach Ime Udoka, whose gritty defensive schemes have turned the team into a top-10 unit on both ends.
This game wasn’t just a battle for playoff positioning—it was a symbolic clash between the NBA’s past and future.
Game Recap: Rockets Outgun Warriors in Overtime Thriller
Final Score: Rockets 128, Warriors 124 (OT)
Date: March 28, 2025 | Location: Toyota Center, Houston
First Half: Warriors’ Vintage Flashes
Golden State opened strong, with Curry (32 points, 9 assists) draining four first-quarter threes, including a 30-footer over Şengün. Draymond Green (14 rebounds, 7 assists) orchestrated the offense, exploiting Houston’s aggressive switches to find Kuminga (24 points) for rim-rattling dunks. Klay Thompson, now a sixth man, added 12 quick points off the bench, hitting contested mid-range jumpers reminiscent of his prime.
But the Rockets stayed afloat thanks to Jalen Green (29 points), who attacked Podziemski relentlessly, and Şengün (22 points, 14 rebounds), whose passing from the high post dissected Golden State’s defense. At halftime, the Warriors led 68-64.
Second Half: Houston’s Youthful Resurgence
The third quarter flipped the script. Amen Thompson (18 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists) took over, using his 6’7″ frame to bulldoze smaller defenders and lock down Curry on switches. Houston’s bench, led by Beasley (5-of-8 from three), erased the deficit with a 15-2 run.
The Warriors responded with vintage “Strength in Numbers” basketball. Rookie Isaiah Collier (15 points) hit back-to-back threes to tie the game, forcing Udoka to call timeout. With 30 seconds left, Curry sank a step-back three to put Golden State up 117-115, but Jalen Green answered with a layup-plus-foul to send the game to OT.
Overtime: Rockets’ Defense Seals the Deal
Fatigue plagued the Warriors in OT. Curry missed two critical threes, while Draymond fouled out trying to contain Şengün. Houston’s young stars seized the moment: Jabari Smith Jr. (17 points) hit a corner three, and Amen Thompson stripped Kuminga on a drive to clinch the win. The Toyota Center erupted as the Rockets celebrated their first season sweep of Golden State since 2018.
2025 Takeaways: What This Game Revealed
- Warriors’ Core is Still Lethal—But the Clock is Ticking
Curry remains elite, but his workload is unsustainable. He’s averaging a career-high 34 minutes per game, and the Warriors’ reliance on him in crunch time (15 OT points this season) is a double-edged sword. With Draymond and Klay’s futures uncertain, GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. faces tough decisions this offseason. - Rockets Are Ready to Contend—Now
Houston (44-28) sits 5th in the West, proving their 2024 play-in bid was no fluke. Şengün’s MVP-caliber play (24.1 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 5.2 APG) and Udoka’s defense have transformed them into a nightmare matchup. A healthy Tari Eason (back from injury) adds wing versatility, making them a dark horse for the conference finals. - Kuminga’s Leap vs. Amen Thompson’s Rise
Jonathan Kuminga (20.3 PPG this season) has solidified himself as Golden State’s future cornerstone. But Amen Thompson’s stat-stuffing performance (14.5 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 6.8 APG) raises the question: Is Houston’s young core better than Golden State’s next-gen group? - The Draymond Problem
Green’s leadership is irreplaceable, but his declining lateral quickness hurt against Houston’s speed. The Warriors’ lack of size (ranked 28th in rebounding) remains a glaring weakness—one that contenders like Denver and Minnesota will exploit in April.
Tactical Breakdown: How Udoka Outcoached Kerr
Udoka’s game plan targeted Golden State’s weaknesses mercilessly:
- Switch Everything: Houston forced Curry to create against length (Amen Thompson, Smith Jr.), limiting his efficiency in the second half.
- Punish the Glass: The Rockets outrebounded Golden State 52-41, with 18 offensive boards leading to 22 second-chance points.
- Attack the Bench: With Klay and CP3 (now retired) no longer anchoring the second unit, Houston’s depth dominated.
Kerr countered with small-ball lineups, but the lack of a true center (Looney was traded in 2024) proved fatal.
Playoff Implications
For the Rockets, this win solidified their hold on the 5th seed. With a favorable remaining schedule, they’re eyeing home-court advantage in Round 1. The Warriors (38-34) cling to the 8th spot, risking the play-in gauntlet. A first-round matchup against Denver or OKC looms—a daunting prospect for an aging roster.
The Rivalry’s Future: A Power Shift?
The Rockets’ ascent marks a potential changing of the guard. With cap space to chase a star (Devin Booker rumors persist) and a loaded draft pick cupboard, Houston could dominate the West for years. The Warriors, meanwhile, face a crossroads: Retool around Curry or embrace a full rebuild.
One thing is certain: The days of Houston playing underdog to Golden State are over.
Final Thoughts
This game encapsulated the 2025 NBA season—a league where legacy teams battle to stay relevant while hungry young squads chase their throne. For Warriors fans, it’s a bittersweet reminder to savor every Curry masterclass. For Rockets loyalists, it’s proof that patience (and a few tanking seasons) pays off.
As Draymond Green quipped postgame, “They’ve got our number now. But come playoff time, we’ve got receipts.”
Whether these teams meet in April or beyond, one thing’s clear: The Warriors-Rockets rivalry is back, and it’s fiercer than ever.
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