In a thrilling matchup on February 13, 2025, the Golden State Warriors defeated the Houston Rockets 105-98, bolstering their confidence as they approach the All-Star break. This win improves the Warriors’ record to 28-27, placing them 10th in the Western Conference and narrowing the gap to the sixth seed to just three games.
The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Golden State dominating early, the Rockets mounting an impressive comeback, and Stephen Curry delivering a clutch performance to seal the victory. Fans at the Toyota Center witnessed a high-intensity battle that highlighted both teams’ strengths and weaknesses.
Jimmy Butler’s Significant Contribution
Since acquiring Jimmy Butler mid-season, the Warriors have seen a notable upswing, winning three of their last four games. Butler’s performance against the Rockets was instrumental; he scored 19 points, grabbed 8 rebounds, and provided 4 assists. His influence extends beyond the stat sheet, with teammate Draymond Green describing him as a “franchise-changing” addition.
“Jimmy brings more than just numbers to the game,” Green said. “He brings leadership, grit, and a level of intensity that pushes everyone to elevate their performance.”
Butler’s defensive prowess was also evident as he consistently disrupted Houston’s offensive flow, particularly in the first half. His on-court communication and strategic play were crucial in maintaining the Warriors’ lead.
Stephen Curry’s Clutch Performance
Stephen Curry led all scorers with 27 points, including two pivotal three-pointers in the final quarter that halted the Rockets’ comeback attempt. His leadership and timely shooting were crucial in securing the win for Golden State.
“Steph does what Steph does,” said Warriors head coach Steve Kerr. “When the game is on the line, there’s no one else you’d want with the ball in their hands.”
Curry’s impact extended beyond his scoring. His court vision and passing created open opportunities for his teammates, while his defensive effort helped contain Houston’s perimeter shooters.
Rockets’ Bench Fuels Near Comeback
The Rockets faced a significant deficit, trailing by as many as 24 points. In a strategic move, Coach Ime Udoka benched starters Alperen Şengün, Jalen Green, and Dillon Brooks in the fourth quarter, turning to his bench for a spark. The reserve players, led by Aaron Holiday’s 25 points, rallied to narrow the gap, showcasing the depth and resilience of Houston’s roster.
“We needed energy, and the bench delivered,” Udoka explained. “They played with heart and gave us a chance to get back in the game.”
The Rockets outscored the Warriors 30-16 in the fourth quarter, with Holiday hitting multiple three-pointers to energize the home crowd. However, their efforts fell short when Curry sank a deep three-pointer with just over a minute remaining, putting the game out of reach.
The Battle in the Paint
The game featured an intense battle in the paint, with Warriors’ center Kevon Looney and Rockets’ Alperen Şengün going head-to-head. Looney finished with 12 rebounds and 6 points, while Şengün managed 14 points and 10 rebounds despite limited fourth-quarter action.
Golden State exploited mismatches in the post, particularly during the first half, which allowed them to build their substantial lead. The Rockets struggled with defensive rotations, a recurring issue throughout the season.
Key Statistics
- Warriors: 45% field goal shooting, 37% from three-point range, 85% from the free-throw line.
- Rockets: 42% field goal shooting, 33% from three-point range, 78% from the free-throw line.
- Turnovers: Warriors – 11, Rockets – 15
- Bench Points: Rockets – 48, Warriors – 32
Looking Ahead
The victory provides the Warriors with momentum as they head into the All-Star break, offering a valuable opportunity to rest and regroup for the remainder of the season. The team aims to continue climbing the standings, with the recent addition of Butler and the consistent excellence of Curry fueling their aspirations.
“We’re starting to click,” Curry said. “We just have to stay consistent and keep this energy going after the break.”
For the Rockets, the game highlighted the potential of their bench unit. Coach Udoka emphasized the importance of effort, communication, and selflessness moving forward, aiming to harness the energy displayed by the reserves to bolster the team’s performance in upcoming games.
“We showed fight, and that’s something we can build on,” Udoka noted. “But we also need to execute better in the early stages of the game to avoid these large deficits.”
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The Bigger Picture
As the regular season progresses, both teams face pivotal challenges. The Warriors must integrate Butler seamlessly while maintaining their defensive intensity. Their offensive schemes, heavily reliant on Curry, will need to diversify to remain unpredictable against stronger playoff contenders.
The Rockets, on the other hand, continue to develop their young core. Green and Şengün remain central to their long-term plans, but the emergence of bench contributors like Holiday could provide much-needed depth.
NBA analysts predict that both teams will be active in the buyout market, seeking to address roster weaknesses ahead of the postseason push.
Fan Reactions
Fans from both sides took to social media to express their thoughts on the game. Warriors supporters praised Butler’s immediate impact and Curry’s consistency, while Rockets fans lauded the bench’s performance and criticized the starters’ lack of intensity.
“Butler is the missing piece we’ve been looking for,” tweeted @DubNation4Life. “We can make a deep run if we keep playing like this!”
“Our bench showed heart,” posted @HtownPride. “But our starters need to step up. We can’t keep digging these holes.”
Conclusion
The Warriors’ 105-98 victory over the Rockets demonstrated the importance of experience, depth, and clutch performance in high-stakes games. As both teams prepare for the final stretch of the season, they’ll draw valuable lessons from this contest—lessons that could shape their postseason destinies.
