HALFTIME – A stunning defensive turnaround has the Houston Rockets leading the Golden State Warriors 37-32 at intermission on Monday night at the Chase Center.
The Warriors controlled the opening period, racing out to a 31-26 lead behind an efficient offensive start. Gui Santos led the early charge for Golden State, pacing all scorers with 10 first-quarter points. The momentum shifted completely in the second quarter, as Houston’s defense locked in. The Rockets held the Warriors to a shocking single point in the period, closing the half on an 11-1 run to seize control of the game.
Houston’s interior presence was key, with Alperen Sengun leading all players with 11 points and 4 rebounds at the break. Kevin Durant added 6 points for the Rockets, while rookie Reed Sheppard provided a spark off the bench with 5 points. For the Warriors, Brandin Podziemski and Charles Bassey chipped in 5 points apiece behind Santos’ team-high 10.
The Warriors will need to solve Houston’s defensive puzzle quickly to mount a second-half comeback.
