Warriors Avoid Sweep and End Rockets’ Nine Game Winning Streak

The Houston Rockets have been on a roll, and were on a nine game winning streak when the Golden State Warriors came to town on March 13th. And speaking of nine, the Rockets had not swept a season series from the Warriors in nine years, but they had a chance to do it here, as Houston had taken the first three games of the four game regular season series. The Rockets would also be able to take advantage of a Kevin Durant less game, as the Warriors forward was out with an ankle injury.

But Golden State had other ideas. Although the Warriors have been essentially treading water the last couple of weeks (including an embarrassing loss to the last place Phoenix Suns) they still have the best record in the NBA Western Conference. And on a good team, players step up when needed; in this case, it was DeMarcus Cousins who came through with 27 points and seven assists, both season highs. The Warriors needed all those points as they pulled out a 106-104 win to end that Houston winning streak and keep the Rockets from that season sweep.

Klay Thompson scored 30 points for Golden State, and Stephen Curry scored 24. Houston was led by James Harden with 29 and Chris Paul with 24. Golden State improved to 46-21, while Houston is 42-26. The Rockets trail Golden State and Denver (44-22) in the West standings. Houston will host the giant killer Suns (who have also beaten league leading Milwaukee twice somehow) on March 15th, while Golden State is on the road at Oklahoma City on the 16th.