Warriors vs Rockets: NBA Match Recap and Player Grades

Image credits: Alex Slitz/Getty Images

The Golden State Warriors played their 55th game of the 2024-25 NBA season against the Houston Rockets, with coach Steve Kerr unveiling his 33rd different starting lineup. The new lineup included Moses Moody and Brandin Podziemski, who replaced Buddy Hield. The decision worked well, as the Warriors secured a 105-98 victory over the Rockets.

Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler were the constants in the lineup, with Curry scoring a game-high 27 points. Butler finished with 19 points, eight rebounds, and four assists, while Green had 13 points, eight assists, and four rebounds. The new lineup brought an early spark, with the Warriors going up nine after one quarter and pushing the lead to 16 early in the second.

However, the Warriors struggled to maintain their lead, with the Rockets going on a 32-10 run to put them within two points with 6:03 remaining. It was Curry, Butler, and Green who showed the way to victory, accounting for all 12 points over the decisive last four minutes. Green drained a triple that put the lead at nine with 47 seconds remaining, securing the win for the Warriors.

The Warriors' player grades were as follows: Moses Moody (A-), Jimmy Butler (B+), Draymond Green (B+), Brandin Podziemski (A), and Stephen Curry (A). Other notable performances included Kevon Looney, who led the team in rebounds with nine, and Gui Santos, who had some great shots and strong defense.

The win marked the Warriors' third victory in the Jimmy Butler era, with all of those games being played on the road. The team will look to build on this momentum after the All-Star break, with coach Kerr hopeful that the new lineup will be the key to their success. With a blend of youth and experience, the Warriors are looking to turn their season around and make a push for the playoffs.

The NBA season is heating up, with the Warriors and Rockets set to face off again after the All-Star break. Fans can catch the game on League Pass, with the Warriors looking to continue their winning streak. The Warriors have shown that they have the talent and depth to compete with the best teams in the league, and they will be looking to make a strong push for the playoffs in the second half of the season. With Jimmy Butler leading the way, the Warriors are a team to watch in the coming weeks.

In terms of player development, the Warriors have seen some impressive performances from their young players, including Moses Moody and Brandin Podziemski. These players have shown that they have the potential to be key contributors to the team, and they will be looking to continue their development after the All-Star break. The Warriors' coaching staff will be working with these players to help them improve their skills and reach their full potential.

Overall, the Warriors' win over the Rockets was a significant one, marking a turning point in their season. With a new lineup and a renewed sense of purpose, the Warriors are looking to make a push for the playoffs and compete with the best teams in the league. Fans can catch all the action on League Pass, with the Warriors set to face off against some tough opponents in the coming weeks.