Jabari Smith Jr. sparks Rockets comeback as Reed Sheppard delivers career night against Warriors

The Houston Rockets pulled off a stunning 104-100 upset victory over the Golden State Warriors last night at Chase Center in San Francisco during NBA Cup group play. Despite shooting struggles from star guard Stephen Curry, the Rockets staged a remarkable fourth-quarter comeback to secure their fourth regular season win in their last 21 matchups against Golden State.

Reed Sheppard’s Breakout Performance Leads Rockets Comeback

Reed Sheppard delivered the most dominant performance of his career, scoring 31 points off the bench to power the Rockets to victory. Sheppard’s consistent scoring kept Houston competitive throughout the night, and he made crucial plays down the stretch when the game was hanging in the balance.

Playing without injured forward Steven Adams, the Rockets needed production from unexpected sources. Sheppard responded by knocking down shots from everywhere on the court and making clutch free throws in the final moments. His fadeaway jumper with the game on the line sealed Houston’s comeback victory.

The performance represented a career-defining moment for Sheppard, who had never scored more than this amount in a single game. His offensive efficiency and late-game composure proved instrumental in keeping the Rockets’ playoff hopes alive during the NBA Cup group stage.

Jabari Smith Jr. Fights Through Injury as Rockets Stage Epic Comeback

Jabari Smith Jr. contributed to the Rockets’ effort while managing physical demands in a high-intensity matchup against Golden State. With Kevin Durant sidelined by injury, the entire roster needed to elevate their performance, and Smith Jr. answered the call during crucial stretches.

The Rockets trailed by as many as 14 points in the third quarter after shooting inefficiently throughout the first half. Coach Ime Udoka‘s squad showed resilience, cutting the Warriors’ lead to 76-74 heading into the fourth quarter following a dominant 15-4 run late in the third.

Steph Curry Struggles as Warriors Defense Falters Late

Stephen Curry endured one of his most disappointing performances against the Rockets, managing just 14 points on 4-for-13 shooting. The Warriors’ superstar connected on only 2 of 9 three-pointers, a stark contrast to his typical dominance at Chase Center.

Golden State’s defensive breakdown in the fourth quarter proved costly. The Rockets seized momentum early in the final quarter with an Aaron Holiday three-pointer and a driving layup from JD Davison that gave Houston its first lead of the game. The Warriors couldn’t recover despite Moses Moody‘s late three-pointer and a furious fourth-quarter push.

Clint Capela Dominates Rebounding Battle Despite Limited Minutes

Clint Capela stepped up in limited playing time, grabbing a season-high 12 rebounds in just 12 minutes during the first half. The veteran center’s physical presence on the glass proved invaluable for Houston’s ability to secure second chances during their comeback push.

Alperen Şengün added support with a crucial fadeaway jumper late in the game that kept the Rockets ahead by six points with 1:27 remaining. Houston’s depth and willingness to play team basketball ultimately overwhelmed Golden State’s depleted roster in the final minutes.

What Does This Victory Mean for the Rockets’ NBA Cup Hopes?

The Rockets’ thrilling victory puts them at 11-4 overall, but the team struggled in NBA Cup group play and faced elimination from the tournament despite this impressive road win. The matchup represented their final group stage game of the in-season competition, and Houston’s hopes of advancing hinged on results beyond their control.

Nevertheless, the performance demonstrated resilience and championship character. Overcoming a 14-point deficit on the road without key contributors showed the Rockets can compete with any team in the league when healthy. The win builds momentum heading into the regular season stretch, where Houston will focus on maintaining their strong record and preparing for playoff contention.

“Relying on heavy doses of Reed Sheppard, who finished with a career-high 31 points, the Rockets beat the Warriors 104-100 for just their fourth regular season win over Golden State in their past 21 tries.”

— Matt Young, Houston Chronicle Staff Writer

Sources

• Houston Chronicle – Game recap and career-high performance analysis
• ESPN – Box scores and final stats
• NBA – Official game records and tournament standings