The tension in the Chase Center was thick enough to cut with a dull knife. Honestly, if you blinked during the third quarter of the most recent rockets golden state box score showdown, you basically missed the entire narrative shift of the season. It wasn’t just about the final numbers on the scoreboard; it was about how a veteran dynasty tried to hold off a young, hungry squad that refuses to respect their elders.
Warriors fans have seen this movie before. Steph Curry starts cooking, the "Night Night" celebration feels imminent, and the Bay Area crowd begins that rhythmic chanting. But this time? The Houston Rockets had other plans. They didn’t just show up; they crashed the party and ruined the vibe.
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The Numbers Behind the Chaos: Rockets Golden State Box Score
Looking at the rockets golden state box score from their November 26, 2025, matchup reveals a startling reality: the Warriors blew a 14-point lead. You don't see that often in San Francisco. The final score settled at 104–100 in favor of Houston. It was a gritty, ugly, and beautiful game all at once.
Houston shot a measly 39.4% from the field. Usually, that's a recipe for a blowout loss. But they made up for it by being absolute menaces on the glass and forcing turnovers when it mattered most. They outworked a Golden State team that looked, frankly, a little tired.
Houston Rockets Top Performers
- Alperen Şengün: 21 points, 14 rebounds. He was a vacuum under the rim.
- Amen Thompson: 24 points. His athleticism is starting to look like a problem for the rest of the league.
- Fred VanVleet: 17 points. He didn't shoot well (6-of-13), but his steady hand in the fourth quarter was the difference.
Golden State Warriors Top Performers
- Stephen Curry: 22 points. He added 10 rebounds and 7 assists, but it wasn't enough to drag them across the finish line.
- Buddy Hield: 33 points. He was a flamethrower from deep, hitting nine 3-pointers.
- Jimmy Butler: 20 points. Since joining the Dubs, he’s provided that grit, but even he couldn't stop the bleeding in the final minutes.
Why the Rockets are Golden State's Worst Nightmare
There is a weird psychological thing happening here. Since that epic seven-game playoff series in the spring of 2025—which Golden State barely survived—the Rockets have played like they have a personal vendetta. Ime Udoka has these kids believing they are the "new" Warriors, even if they don't have the rings to prove it yet.
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The rockets golden state box score isn't just a list of stats; it’s a progress report. Houston is currently sitting at 24–15, holding the 5th seed in the West as of mid-January 2026. Meanwhile, the Warriors are hovering at 23–19, fighting for that 8th spot. The power dynamic is shifting. You can feel it.
The Jimmy Butler Factor and the Bench Depth
Let's be real: the Warriors' bench isn't what it used to be. While Brandin Podziemski and Moses Moody are solid, they lack that veteran "we've been here" energy that Shaun Livingston or Andre Iguodala used to provide. When Steve Kerr went to his bench in the third quarter during that 104–100 loss, the lead evaporated.
Houston’s bench, led by guys like Tari Eason and Cam Whitmore, just looks faster. They play with a level of desperation that the Warriors struggle to match for 48 minutes. It’s a classic case of a team that has won everything vs. a team that has won nothing.
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Actionable Insights for the Remainder of the Season
If you’re tracking the rockets golden state box score for betting or just pure fandom, keep an eye on the "Four Factors." Specifically, watch the offensive rebounding. Houston is currently punishing Golden State in second-chance points.
- Watch the Pace: Houston wants to run. If the Warriors can't slow the game down, they’re in trouble.
- Monitor the Health of Kevin Durant: Reports suggest KD might be making moves, and his absence in Houston (he’s currently sidelined) didn't even stop them from winning. If he comes back healthy, the West is wide open.
- Check the 3PT Percentage: In their last meeting, the Warriors hit 23 triples but still lost. That tells you everything about their interior defense.
The rivalry is officially back. It’s not the Harden-vs-Curry era anymore, but Şengün vs. Green is proving to be just as spicy. Don't expect the next box score to be any less chaotic.
To stay ahead of the next matchup, prioritize watching the turnover margin in the first half. If Houston stays under 12 turnovers, they almost always win this head-to-head. Also, keep an eye on the injury report for Jimmy Butler, as his personal leave has recently impacted the Warriors' rotation stability.