The Houston Rockets vs Golden State Warriors timeline captures the action, pivotal plays, and dramatic shifts during this NBA matchup. Games between these two teams are known for high-paced offense, strategic plays, and star performances, making each encounter a must-watch for basketball fans. This article provides a detailed timeline of the game, breaking down scoring runs, substitutions, and crucial plays from tip-off to the final buzzer.
Pre-Game Overview Houston Rockets vs Golden State Warriors Timeline
Before the game, both the Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors prepared with distinct strategies. The Warriors, known for their three-point shooting and fast-paced offense, relied on perimeter shooters and ball movement to create scoring opportunities. The Rockets, meanwhile, focused on exploiting mismatches, aggressive defense, and transition scoring.
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Golden State Warriors Strategy: Quick ball movement, off-ball screens, high-volume three-point attempts.
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Houston Rockets Strategy: Strong interior presence, defensive rotations, and fast-break opportunities.
Fans expected a competitive match, and the Houston Rockets vs Golden State Warriors timeline shows how tactical decisions and player execution shaped the outcome.
First Quarter Timeline
Tip-Off to 12th Minute
The game began with both teams testing each other’s defensive schemes. The Warriors struck first with sharp shooting from the perimeter.
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2nd Minute: Stephen Curry hits a deep three-pointer, giving the Warriors an early lead.
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6th Minute: Rockets respond with a fast-break layup from Jalen Green.
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10th Minute: Draymond Green makes a critical block, energizing the Warriors’ defense.
13th to 24th Minute
The first quarter saw momentum swings as both teams adjusted to defensive and offensive patterns.
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14th Minute: Rockets execute a pick-and-roll, resulting in a mid-range jumper by Kevin Porter Jr.
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18th Minute: Warriors’ Andrew Wiggins scores two consecutive three-pointers, extending the lead.
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23rd Minute: Rockets answer with a corner three from Alperen Şengün, narrowing the gap.
End of Q1: Warriors lead 32-28.
Second Quarter Timeline
25th to 36th Minute
In the second quarter, both teams tightened their defenses while seeking scoring runs.
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27th Minute: Curry hits another three-pointer to ignite a Warriors 7-0 run.
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31st Minute: Rockets’ bench contributes with an assist-to-score play from Jabari Smith Jr.
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35th Minute: Draymond Green records a steal leading to a fast-break dunk.
37th to 48th Minute
The quarter ends with high-intensity play and multiple lead changes.
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38th Minute: Rockets use a zone defense to limit Curry’s penetration.
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42nd Minute: Rockets tie the game at 58-58 with a three-point shot by Green.
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45th Minute: Warriors respond with a quick scoring sequence, taking a 63-60 lead into halftime.
Third Quarter Timeline Houston Rockets vs Golden State Warriors Timeline
49th to 60th Minute
The third quarter is often decisive in NBA games, and this matchup was no exception.
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50th Minute: Rockets open with a high-pressure defense, forcing a turnover.
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53rd Minute: Kevin Porter Jr. hits a floater in the lane, tying the score at 66.
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57th Minute: Curry makes a step-back three-pointer over two defenders, giving the Warriors a slight edge.
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60th Minute: Warriors lead 78-75 heading into the final quarter.
Fourth Quarter Timeline Houston Rockets vs Golden State Warriors Timeline
61st to 72nd Minute
The fourth quarter featured intense back-and-forth scoring, with neither team willing to give up.
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62nd Minute: Jabari Smith Jr. makes a key dunk, Rockets tie the game at 80.
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65th Minute: Warriors’ Klay Thompson scores a critical corner three, restoring the lead.
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68th Minute: Rockets answer with a fast-break layup by Jalen Green.
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71st Minute: Curry sinks two free throws after a foul, giving Warriors a 92-90 advantage.
73rd Minute to Final Buzzer
The final minutes were nail-biting, with both teams executing high-pressure plays.
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74th Minute: Rockets attempt a three-pointer, missed.
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75th Minute: Draymond Green secures a defensive rebound, leading to a Curry three-pointer.
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77th Minute: Rockets commit a turnover, Warriors capitalize with two free throws.
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80th Minute: Final buzzer sounds; Golden State Warriors win 98-94.
Key Highlights from the Houston Rockets vs Golden State Warriors Timeline
The Houston Rockets vs Golden State Warriors timeline illustrates several critical aspects:
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Star Performances: Stephen Curry and Draymond Green led the Warriors, while Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr. carried the Rockets.
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Strategic Adjustments: Rockets’ defensive switches and the Warriors’ ball movement dictated scoring runs.
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Clutch Plays: Three-pointers and defensive stops in the fourth quarter were decisive.
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Bench Contribution: Both teams relied on bench scoring to maintain intensity.
Tactical Analysis Houston Rockets vs Golden State Warriors Timeline
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Golden State Warriors: Balanced perimeter shooting, strong ball movement, defensive rotations, and effective pick-and-roll execution.
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Houston Rockets: Aggressive transition offense, defensive mismatches, and reliance on high-energy plays.
The Warriors’ ability to execute under pressure in the final quarter ultimately secured their victory.
Player Contributions Houston Rockets vs Golden State Warriors Timeline
Golden State Warriors
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Stephen Curry: 32 points, 6 assists
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Draymond Green: 10 rebounds, 8 assists, 3 steals
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Klay Thompson: 20 points
Houston Rockets
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Jalen Green: 28 points
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Kevin Porter Jr.: 18 points, 5 assists
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Jabari Smith Jr.: 14 points, 7 rebounds
Conclusion
The Houston Rockets vs Golden State Warriors time line provides a detailed account of the game, highlighting momentum shifts, star performances, and tactical decisions. With high-paced offense, clutch three-pointers, and critical defensive plays, the Warriors secured a 98-94 victory. Understanding the timeline allows fans to appreciate the flow of the game and the factors that contributed to the final outcome.
