Key Takeaways:
- Alperen Sengun scored the decisive layup with 11 seconds to play as the Houston Rockets edged the Golden State Warriors 117-116
- Stephen Curry returned from a right knee injury after missing 27 consecutive games, contributing 29 points in 26 minutes for the Warriors
- Kevin Durant delivered 31 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists against his former team, including a critical three-pointer late in the game
Match Overview
The Houston Rockets secured a thrilling 117-116 win over the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on Sunday night, spoiling Stephen Curry’s much-anticipated return. Alperen Sengun capped a dramatic finish with a go-ahead layup, assisted by Kevin Durant, leaving just 11 seconds on the clock. Moments earlier, Gary Payton II had briefly put the Warriors in front via a goaltend on Amen Thompson’s attempt with 20 seconds remaining.
The closing seconds saw Curry, having returned to action after a 27-game absence due to a right knee injury, narrowly miss a deep three-point attempt that would have swung the contest back in Golden State’s favour.
Extended the WWWWWW streak 😏#AllFire pic.twitter.com/CjLNNMOQ6o
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) April 6, 2026
Star Performances
Kevin Durant played a pivotal role in the Rockets’ triumph, registering 31 points, eight rebounds and eight assists against his former club. Durant also converted a crucial three-pointer with 2:10 left, but following a late miss with 38 seconds to play, Draymond Green located Payton II under the basket for a Warriors lead.
Curry, coming off the bench for the first time in a regular-season fixture since 7 March 2012, signalled his intent early, finishing with 29 points on 11-of-21 shooting in just 26 minutes. His return was warmly greeted by the San Francisco crowd and a big screen tribute.
Key Game Moments and Stats
Curry’s driving lay-in with 1:27 left pulled the Warriors within one, but Sengun immediately responded with a three-point play. Curry then drained a three-pointer at the other end to keep Golden State within striking distance.
The contest briefly boiled over midway through the second quarter, as Draymond Green and Jabari Smith Jr. exchanged heated words and had to be separated. Smith Jr. recorded 23 points and nine rebounds for Houston, while Sengun contributed 24 points. Amen Thompson added 18 points and seven assists for the Rockets.
| Player | Team | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kevin Durant | Rockets | 31 | 8 | 8 |
| Alperen Sengun | Rockets | 24 | 6 | 7 |
| Amen Thompson | Rockets | 18 | 3 | 7 |
| Jabari Smith Jr. | Rockets | 23 | 9 | 1 |
| Stephen Curry | Warriors | 29 | 2 | 4 |
| Gary Payton II | Warriors | 14 | 3 | 2 |
Notable Milestones
A significant highlight for Golden State came when Stephen and Seth Curry played on-court together for the first time in franchise history, as documented by Elias. Seth, who previously appeared in six preseason contests for the Warriors in 2013 and played for their G League affiliate that year, shared just 100 seconds with his brother in the 2013 preseason. However, Sunday night marked their first official NBA regular-season partnership for the Warriors.
Looking Ahead
- Houston Rockets will travel to face the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night
- Golden State Warriors are due to host the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday night
