By Siam 
- The Houston Rockets secured a gritty 104-100 road victory over the Golden State Warriors on November 26, 2025, at Chase Center, rallying from a double-digit deficit.
- Reed Sheppard delivered a career-high 31 points (12-25 FG, 4-12 3PT), adding 9 rebounds and 5 assists to lead all scorers.
- Houston dominated the glass with 53 rebounds (25 offensive) compared to Golden State’s 47, fueling second-chance opportunities and the comeback.
- Jimmy Butler paced the Warriors with 21 points and 5 assists, but Golden State’s 16 turnovers proved costly in a tight contest.
- This result improved Houston to 12-4 while dropping Golden State to 10-10, highlighting the Rockets’ emerging defensive identity and depth.
The Rockets overcame early struggles to outscore the Warriors in the second half, capitalizing on rebounding and fewer mistakes. Research suggests Houston’s bench energy and interior presence shifted momentum decisively.
Reed Sheppard’s breakout night stole the show, while veterans like Alperen Sengun and Clint Capela anchored the paint. For Golden State, Butler and Draymond Green provided versatility, but shooting inconsistency hurt.
It showcased Houston’s growth under Ime Udoka and raised questions about Golden State’s roster fit after acquiring Jimmy Butler earlier in 2025.
The Houston Rockets’ 104-100 victory over the Golden State Warriors on November 26, 2025, was one of those games that reminds you why we watch basketball. A back-and-forth battle at Chase Center ended with the young Rockets pulling away late, thanks largely to a sensational performance from second-year guard Reed Sheppard. Honestly, this isn’t talked about enough: Sheppard’s ability to create his own shot against a veteran defense like Golden State’s speaks volumes about his rapid development. The final score doesn’t quite capture the drama, with Houston erasing a 14-point halftime deficit through relentless rebounding and opportunistic play.
Let’s break that down a bit more. The Rockets entered the game at 12-4, riding a wave of defensive intensity and balanced scoring. Golden State, sitting at 10-10, was still adjusting to life with Jimmy Butler in the fold after his offseason trade from Miami. Butler had been a steady force, but on this night, the Rockets’ athleticism and second-chance points overwhelmed the Warriors’ perimeter-oriented attack.
The Warriors jumped out early, using sharp ball movement and timely threes to build a lead. Stephen Curry, despite finishing with only 14 points on 4-13 shooting, created plenty of open looks for teammates. Draymond Green orchestrated things with 12 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists, looking every bit the defensive anchor. But Houston weathered the storm. Amen Thompson grabbed boards like they were going out of style, finishing with 10 points and a game-high-tying 14 rebounds. Clint Capela, in limited minutes, added 12 rebounds (8 offensive) that kept possessions alive.
The third quarter flipped the script. Houston outscored Golden State significantly, with Sheppard heating up and Aaron Holiday providing a spark off the bench (14 points on 3-11 from three). Turnovers plagued the Warriors all night: 16 compared to Houston’s 10. Those extra possessions added up. In the fourth, Jabari Smith Jr. knocked down key free throws, and Sheppard’s late buckets sealed it. You could almost feel the momentum shift when Capela tipped in an offensive rebound for a crucial score.
Reed Sheppard was unstoppable, dropping 31 points on 12-25 shooting, including 4-12 from deep, with 9 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 blocks, and just 2 turnovers in 37 minutes. That’s efficiency mixed with volume. Alperen Sengun contributed a solid double-double: 16 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists. Amen Thompson’s stat line (10 points, 14 rebounds, 3 assists) showed his two-way impact. Jabari Smith Jr. added 15 points and steady defense. The bench, led by Holiday and Capela, outplayed Golden State’s reserves in key stretches.
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Jimmy Butler led with 21 points (6-11 FG, 7-7 FT), 5 rebounds, and 5 assists, showing why Golden State pursued him. Draymond Green nearly notched a triple-double (12 points, 9 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 blocks). Brandin Podziemski chipped in 14 points, and newcomer Will Richard scored 18 off efficient shooting. Stephen Curry struggled from the field but still influenced the game with gravity. The bench lacked punch, with Buddy Hield going scoreless.
| Player | Team | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Steals | Blocks | FG% | Notes |
| Reed Sheppard | Rockets | 31 | 9 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 48% | Career-high, game-winner shots |
| Jimmy Butler | Warriors | 21 | 5 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 55% | Perfect from line |
| Amen Thompson | Rockets | 10 | 14 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 33% | Dominant on glass |
| Draymond Green | Warriors | 12 | 9 | 8 | 0 | 2 | 63% | Near triple-double |
| Alperen Sengun | Rockets | 16 | 6 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 39% | All-around floor general |
| Jabari Smith Jr. | Rockets | 15 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 36% | Clutch free throws |
| Stephen Curry | Warriors | 14 | 6 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 31% | Struggled from deep |
This table highlights how Houston’s balanced effort trumped Golden State’s star power on this night.
Houston shot 39.4% from the field and 28.2% from three, but their 53-47 rebounding edge (25-13 offensive) created extra chances. Golden State shot slightly better overall (42.7%) but coughed up the ball too often. Free throws favored the Warriors (86% vs 63%), yet it wasn’t enough. Well, that’s basketball: sometimes grit beats finesse.
Houston’s win underscored their defensive growth. Ime Udoka has instilled a culture where rebounding and transition defense win games. Sheppard, a former sharpshooter, is evolving into a complete guard. Some experts disagree, but here’s my take: this team could make noise in the West if they stay healthy. For Golden State, Butler’s addition brought toughness, but integration takes time. Curry’s off-night was rare, yet the supporting cast needs consistency.
The rivalry between these teams has always had fireworks, from Harden-era clashes to now. This game felt like a passing of the torch, with young talent shining against seasoned pros.
Who scored the most points in the Houston Rockets vs Golden State Warriors match on November 26, 2025?
Reed Sheppard led everyone with a career-high 31 points, shooting efficiently and impacting both ends.
What were the final team records after the game?
Houston improved to 12-4, while Golden State fell to 10-10.
How many rebounds did Amen Thompson grab?
Thompson tied for the game high with 14 rebounds, showcasing his athleticism.
Did Jimmy Butler play well for the Warriors?
Butler scored 21 points with perfect free-throw shooting and added 5 assists, but the team couldn’t overcome turnovers.
Why did the Rockets win despite lower shooting percentages?
Offensive rebounding (25 vs 13) and fewer turnovers (10 vs 16) gave Houston extra possessions and control.
Was this Reed Sheppard’s best game ever?
Yes, his 31 points marked a new career high, with strong contributions across the board.
What does this mean for the Western Conference standings?
It boosted Houston’s momentum as a contender while exposing Golden State’s need for better ball security.
This game was a statement for the Rockets: youth and hustle can beat experience on any given night. Sheppard’s emergence is exciting, and if Houston keeps rebounding like this, watch out. Golden State remains dangerous, but they need to clean up the little things. What do you think, Rockets fans: is this the start of something special? I’d love to hear your takes.
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