The November 26, 2025, clash between the Golden State Warriors and the Houston Rockets proved to be an exhilarating contest, showcasing both team dynamics and individual brilliance. The Houston Rockets, led by Reed Sheppard’s career-best performance, came from behind to beat the Warriors 104-100, despite trailing at halftime. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the player stats, analyze key moments from the game, and break down the contributions that shaped the Rockets’ victory.
Game Summary – A Thrilling Battle on November 26, 2025
On November 26, 2025, the Houston Rockets pulled off a thrilling 104-100 win against the Golden State Warriors, marking a crucial moment in their NBA Cup journey. Trailing 57-49 at halftime, the Rockets mounted a significant comeback, outscoring the Warriors 57-41 in the second half. The game saw standout performances, especially from Reed Sheppard, who had a career-high 31 points.
The Warriors, despite being eliminated from the NBA Cup, had strong contributions from Jimmy Butler and Steph Curry. Curry, however, struggled under the intense physical defense of the Rockets, which limited his impact on the game. Let’s dive into the individual player stats that played a pivotal role in the game’s outcome.
Houston Rockets Player Stats and Key Performances
The Houston Rockets needed key performances from their players to overcome a strong Warriors team. Reed Sheppard was the star of the game, but several others also stepped up, including Clint Capela, Aaron Holiday, and Alperen Sengun.
Reed Sheppard: The Star of the Night
- Points: 31
- Rebounds: 9
- Assists: 5
Reed Sheppard delivered what many would argue was the best game of his career, leading the Rockets to a comeback victory. His 31 points, nine rebounds, and five assists were crucial to the Rockets’ success. Sheppard’s scoring ability was on full display, especially in the second half when he scored 9 of his 15 first-half points. His poise under pressure helped Houston regain the lead and close out the game.
Clint Capela: Dominating the Paint
- Points: 12
- Rebounds: 13
- Blocks: 2
Clint Capela was a force in the paint, contributing 12 points and securing 13 rebounds. His presence on both ends of the floor helped the Rockets contain the Warriors’ inside game. Capela’s defensive tenacity, including his two blocks, disrupted Golden State’s offensive flow, making him an unsung hero in this victory.
Alperen Sengun: Solid All-Around Contribution
- Points: 14
- Rebounds: 8
- Assists: 6
Sengun provided a steadying presence for the Rockets with 14 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists. His versatility was key in helping the Rockets control the pace of the game. Sengun’s ability to contribute both in scoring and playmaking allowed the Rockets to execute their offense efficiently in the second half.
Golden State Warriors Player Stats and Key Performances
While the Warriors fell short, their stars—Jimmy Butler and Steph Curry—put up solid individual performances. However, despite their efforts, the Warriors couldn’t handle the Rockets’ second-half surge.
Jimmy Butler: Leading the Warriors’ Efforts
- Points: 21
- Rebounds: 5
- Assists: 5
Jimmy Butler’s leadership was evident as he posted 21 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists. Butler kept the Warriors in the game with his all-around contributions. His scoring and playmaking kept the team in striking distance, even as they faltered defensively in the second half.
Steph Curry: Struggling Against Tough Defense
- Points: 14
- Assists: 5
- Turnovers: 7
Steph Curry’s performance was underwhelming as he faced Houston’s tough defense. Curry finished with just 14 points on 4-for-13 shooting and committed seven turnovers. The Rockets’ physical play limited Curry’s shooting opportunities, and his struggles were evident as the game wore on. As the game came to a close, Curry limped to the locker room after taking a hard hit.
Moses Moody: Late-Game Spark
- Points: 9
- Rebounds: 3
- Assists: 1
Moses Moody provided a late-game spark for the Warriors, hitting a crucial 27-footer to bring the Warriors within two points, 102-100. However, it wasn’t enough, as the Rockets closed out the game with a pair of free throws from Sheppard. Moody’s hustle and shooting in the fourth quarter showed his potential to contribute in high-pressure moments.
Key Moments from the Game
Several key moments helped define the course of the game. Let’s break down some of the most crucial sequences:
Rockets’ Second-Half Surge
After trailing by eight at halftime, the Rockets came out of the break with renewed energy. Reed Sheppard continued his strong play, while Clint Capela and Alperen Sengun made critical contributions. Houston’s defense also stepped up, limiting Golden State’s scoring opportunities and allowing the Rockets to erase the deficit and take control of the game.
Warriors’ Struggles Against Physical Defense
Golden State’s zone defense caused problems for the Rockets in the first half, but the Warriors couldn’t sustain that intensity. In the second half, the Rockets managed to break through Golden State’s defense, scoring efficiently while limiting turnovers.
The Final Moments
With the game on the line, Aaron Holiday hit a clutch 3-pointer to give the Rockets the lead in the fourth quarter. The Warriors had a chance to tie the game with Moses Moody’s late triple attempt, but it missed, and Reed Sheppard sealed the win with two free throws.
Conclusion – Houston Rockets’ Victory and the Road Ahead
The Houston Rockets’ 104-100 victory over the Golden State Warriors on November 26, 2025, was a testament to their resilience and team effort. Despite a tough first half, they came out strong in the second, led by a career-night from Reed Sheppard. With key performances from Clint Capela and Alperen Sengun, the Rockets showed their potential to compete in the NBA Cup.
The Warriors, while eliminated from the tournament, showed grit with Jimmy Butler’s leadership and Curry’s efforts, though they struggled with turnovers and shooting. As both teams continue their journeys, the lessons from this game will likely resonate moving forward.
FAQs:
1. What was Reed Sheppard’s performance in the game?
Reed Sheppard had a career-high 31 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists, leading the Rockets to a comeback win over the Warriors.
2. How did Steph Curry perform against the Rockets?
Steph Curry struggled with 14 points on 4-for-13 shooting and committed 7 turnovers in a tough loss for the Warriors.
3. What was the turning point in the game?
The Rockets’ defensive adjustments and Reed Sheppard’s scoring in the second half helped them outscore the Warriors 57-41 and secure the win.
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