Rockets Edge Warriors 117-116 to Spoil Stephen Curry’s Return

The Houston Rockets managed to dampen the celebrations in San Francisco on Sunday, April 5, 2026, securing a narrow 117-116 victory over the Golden State Warriors. The contest was defined by the high anticipation surrounding Stephen Curry’s return from injury, a homecoming that provided the Warriors with a spark but ultimately fell one point short of a win.

Playing in front of a home crowd in San Francisco, Curry showed little rust, celebrating a three-point basket during the first half as he attempted to lead a Golden State rally. However, the Rockets’ defense remained disciplined, with forward Kevin Durant tasked with containing the Warriors’ superstar in key sequences throughout the game.

A Tight Battle in San Francisco

The game remained a see-saw affair, with both teams trading blows until the final buzzer. The Warriors utilized their trademark perimeter shooting, with Draymond Green contributing a three-pointer in the first half to keep the pace aggressive. On the other side, the Rockets relied on a balanced effort to keep the game within reach.

Houston’s guard Reed Sheppard and center Alperen Sengun were pivotal in maintaining the Rockets’ offensive rhythm, while the defense had to withstand a relentless push from Curry and Gary Payton II. The one-point margin of victory underscores how closely contested the matchup was, with Houston holding off the Warriors in the closing moments to seal the result.

For those following the season’s progression, this result continues a frustrating trend for the Warriors against Houston. The Rockets have proven capable of disrupting Golden State’s flow, regardless of who is on the floor.

Context: A Recurring Theme

This victory is not an isolated incident for the Rockets this season. Earlier in the campaign, on November 26, 2025, Houston traveled to San Francisco and emerged with a 104-100 win during NBA Cup group play. That meeting was highlighted by a career-best performance from Reed Sheppard, who scored 31 points, added nine rebounds, and recorded five assists to lead the rally from a 12-point halftime deficit.

The consistency of the Rockets’ success in San Francisco suggests a tactical advantage or a psychological edge over the Warriors this year. In the November matchup, Houston’s ability to recover from a double-digit deficit set a precedent for the resilience they displayed during Sunday’s nail-biter.

Key Matchups and Standouts

The April 5 game featured several high-profile interactions that dictated the flow of the game. The defensive battle between Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry was the focal point, with Durant playing a critical role in the Rockets’ ability to spoil Stephen Curry’s return.

While the box score reflects a nearly identical output from both teams, the Rockets’ ability to execute in the final possessions proved to be the difference. The AP report on the game highlighted the intensity of the encounter, noting the reactions of players like Draymond Green and Alperen Sengun as the game reached its climax.

The Warriors will look to build on Curry’s return in their upcoming fixtures, hoping that his presence on the court restores the offensive synergy that has been missing during his injury absence.

Quick Game Summary

The Houston Rockets now carry the momentum of two wins in San Francisco this season back home, while the Golden State Warriors focus on integrating a healthy Stephen Curry back into their primary rotations for the final stretch of the season.

Stay tuned for official league updates regarding the standings and playoff implications following this result. Share your thoughts on the Rockets’ victory in the comments below.