Reed Sheppard's 31-point explosion lifts Rockets past Warriors 104-100 in comeback win
Nov, 27 2025
Reed Sheppard didn’t just have a breakout game—he announced himself. The 21-year-old shooting guard for the Houston Rockets dropped a career-high 31 points, leading a furious second-half rally that overturned a 12-point deficit to beat the Golden State Warriors 104-100 at Chase Center on Wednesday, November 26, 2025. It wasn’t just scoring—it was poise under pressure, relentless defense, and a statement that Houston isn’t just building toward something. They’re already here.
The Second-Half Surge
By halftime, the Warriors looked in control. They’d shot 52% from the field, buried threes, and held the Rockets to a sluggish 25% shooting. Stephen Curry, the 37-year-old two-time MVP, had 18 points and looked like he was playing chess while the Rockets fumbled checkers. But something changed after the break. Houston’s defense tightened. Their ball movement sharpened. And Sheppard? He went from promising rookie to full-blown engine.
The Rockets outscored Golden State 57-33 over the final two quarters. In the fourth, with the game tied at 91 and 3:24 left, a collision under the basket between Amen Thompson and Curry sparked chaos. The refs initially called an offensive foul on Thompson—but Houston challenged. The replay showed Curry’s arm clearly displacing the ball before contact. The call was overturned to a block. That moment, more than any stat, shifted the momentum. The crowd fell silent. The Rockets roared.
Behind the Numbers
Sheppard didn’t just score—he orchestrated. He added nine rebounds and five assists, playing 38 minutes with the calm of a veteran. Alperen Sengun, the 22-year-old Turkish center, chipped in 16 points, six rebounds, and six assists, making the Rockets’ offense fluid and unpredictable. Meanwhile, Golden State’s supporting cast went cold. Moses Moody and Will Richard combined for just 11 points on 4-of-18 shooting. Draymond Green, usually the heartbeat of the Warriors, had seven points and six turnovers.
Turnovers were the difference. The Warriors coughed up 16, and Houston turned them into 22 points. That’s not luck—that’s execution. And it’s a trend. Houston has now won seven of their last eight games, improving to 11-4 on the season. Golden State, once thought to be title contenders again, dropped to 10-9, with their defense looking increasingly brittle.
Who Was Missing? The Absences That Mattered
Houston was without Steven Adams, the 31-year-old New Zealand-born center, sidelined by a right ankle injury. But the bigger absence? Kevin Durant. The 36-year-old former Warrior, who spent 10 seasons with Golden State before being traded, was out due to a personal matter. Coach Ime Udoka, 47, didn’t give details but said he expects Durant back for the next game. His absence forced Houston to rely on younger players—and they rose to the occasion.
On the Warriors’ side, Al Horford, the 38-year-old Dominican veteran, missed his second straight game with sciatica. Jonathan Kuminga, the 22-year-old power forward, was in Santa Cruz working his way back from tendinitis in both knees. Without Horford’s spacing and Kuminga’s athleticism, Golden State’s bench looked thin.
What’s Next?
The Rockets now head to Salt Lake City for back-to-back games at the Delta Center starting Sunday, November 30, 2025. They’ll face the Jazz—another young, athletic team—and if Sheppard keeps playing like this, they could be dangerous in the Western Conference playoff race.
Golden State, meanwhile, hosts the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday, November 29, 2025. The game carries extra weight: Kevon Looney, who spent nine seasons with the Warriors, returns to Chase Center. He’s been a cornerstone of their championship runs. Will he be cheered? Or booed? The atmosphere will be electric.
Why This Matters
This wasn’t just a win. It was a turning point. The Rockets aren’t just improving—they’re redefining their identity. Sheppard, Sengun, Thompson—they’re not prospects anymore. They’re the core. And they’re proving they can win without Durant, without Adams, without a superstar name on the jersey. Meanwhile, the Warriors look like a team in transition. Curry is still brilliant, but the supporting cast is inconsistent. The defense is porous. The depth is thin. And at 10-9, they’re already on the outside looking in at the playoff picture.
The NBA is changing. The old guard is aging. The new guard? They’re not waiting for permission.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Reed Sheppard’s performance compare to other young NBA guards this season?
Sheppard’s 31-point game is the highest single-game scoring output by any NBA player under 22 this season. Only two other guards under 22—Paolo Banchero and Victor Wembanyama—have reached 30+ points this year, but neither did it with the efficiency Sheppard showed (11-of-21 FG, 5-of-8 from three). His 31 points also mark the highest by a Rockets rookie since Jeremy Lin’s 38-point breakout in 2012.
Why did the Warriors’ second-half defense collapse?
Golden State’s defense fell apart due to fatigue and miscommunication. Draymond Green, playing heavy minutes, looked slowed. Without Al Horford, they lost their defensive anchor and rim protector. Houston exploited mismatches by moving the ball rapidly, forcing Warriors to rotate constantly. By the fourth quarter, several defenders were out of position, leading to open threes and easy drives.
What impact does Kevin Durant’s absence have on Houston’s long-term prospects?
Durant’s absence actually accelerated Houston’s development. With him out, players like Sheppard and Sengun were forced to carry more offensive responsibility. If they can win without Durant, it suggests the Rockets have a deeper, more balanced identity than just being a Durant-led team. That’s a sign of maturity, not weakness.
Is this win a sign the Rockets can challenge for a top-four seed in the West?
Absolutely. With an 11-4 record and the league’s 5th-best net rating over the last 10 games, Houston is now in the conversation. They’re top 10 in pace, top 8 in assist-to-turnover ratio, and their young core is clicking. If they stay healthy, they could sneak into the top four—especially if teams like Golden State continue to struggle with consistency.
How significant was the overturned foul call in the fourth quarter?
It was pivotal. That play shifted momentum psychologically. The Warriors expected the call to stand, and the crowd was ready to erupt. When it was overturned, it silenced them and energized Houston. It also gave the Rockets a crucial possession that led to a Sheppard three-pointer, pushing them ahead 94-91. In a four-point game, that one possession changed the outcome.
What does this mean for the Warriors’ playoff chances?
At 10-9, Golden State is barely above .500 and currently outside the top eight in the West. With injuries piling up and inconsistent bench play, they’re vulnerable. Even with Curry playing at an MVP level, they lack depth. If they don’t fix their defense and find reliable role players soon, they risk falling into the play-in tournament—or worse, missing the playoffs entirely for the first time since 2017.