Steph Curry Returns with 29 Points in Narrow Warriors Loss to Rockets
Stephen Curry made his long-awaited return to the hardwood Sunday night at Chase Center, delivering a 29-point performance that nearly sparked a historic comeback. However, the Golden State Warriors ultimately fell 117-116 to the Houston Rockets.
The game reached a dramatic conclusion when Curry, who had led a furious fourth-quarter rally, launched a potential game-winning 30-footer at the buzzer. The shot missed long, sealing the one-point victory for Houston.
A Measured Return from ‘Runner’s Knee’
After missing 27 consecutive games due to a runner’s knee injury, Curry entered the contest on a minutes restriction. He volunteered to start the game on the bench to manage his workload, eventually checking in for his brother, Seth Curry, with 4:54 remaining in the first quarter.
While the start was shaky—marked by a travel violation and a missed shot—Curry quickly found his rhythm. He finished the night with 29 points on 11-of-21 shooting from the field, including 5-of-10 from beyond the arc, while adding four assists and two rebounds in 26 minutes of play.
First run was rough. Second run was great.— Stephen Curry
Curry’s impact was most evident in the second half, where he poured in 19 points, including 11 in the third quarter and another 11 in the final frame.
Rockets’ Stars Hold the Line
Despite Curry’s brilliance, the Houston Rockets leaned on their own star power to secure the win. Kevin Durant dominated against his former team, recording a game-high 31 points along with eight rebounds and eight assists.
The deciding blow came from Alperen Sengun, who contributed 24 points and scored the head-ahead basket with just 11 seconds remaining on the clock.
quite a testgiven Thompson’s defensive capabilities.
Play-In Implications and the Road Ahead
The Warriors currently hold a 36-42 record and are projected to finish 10th in the standings. This positioning places them in a challenging play-in tournament scenario where they must win two road games to advance to the playoffs.
Key Factors for the Postseason:
- The Curry Effect: His ability to cover roster flaws makes the Warriors more likely to advance from the play-in.
- Frontcourt Health: The team awaits the return of Al Horford from a calf injury to solidify the interior rotation.
- Upcoming Schedule: Curry is expected to see a similar workload in the upcoming Tuesday night matchup against the Sacramento Kings.
[Image: Warriors players discussing strategy during the fourth quarter rally] Frequently Asked Questions
How many games did Steph Curry miss before his return?
Stephen Curry missed 27 straight games due to a runner’s knee injury.
What were Steph Curry’s stats in the game against the Rockets?
Curry scored 29 points on 11-of-21 shooting (5-of-10 from 3-point range) with four assists and two rebounds in 26 minutes.
Who was the top scorer for the Houston Rockets?
Kevin Durant led the Rockets with a game-high 31 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists.