The Houston Rockets (12-4) used a strong second-half performance and survived the Golden State Warriors (10-10) with an intense 104-100 win on November 27.
Here are the key stats and the top performers of the game:
BEST PLAYER OF THE GAME:
Reed Sheppard HOU PG 31 PTS | 9 REB | 5 AST | 56.3 FPS
Sheppard was the star of the show, delivering a full stat line with season-best numbers in both scoring and rebounding. He’s been on a strong run lately, scoring 25+ points twice in his last three games and posting 5 rebounds and 3 stocks in back-to-back outings.
BREAKOUT PERFORMANCE:
Draymond Green GSW PF 12 PTS | 9 REB | 8 AST | 36.8 FPS
Green has been an elite multi-category threat lately, averaging 9.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2.8 stocks in his last five outings. However, his availability has become an issue, missing two of their last four games.
SCORING MACHINES:
Jimmy Butler GSW SF 21 PTS | 6-11 FG | 7-7 FT | 40.5 FPS
Butler had a brilliant offensive performance, recording his 12th 20-point game of the season. He’s also been a steady, all-around contributor, delivering his third consecutive game with at least five rebounds and five assists.
Alperen Sengun HOU C 16 PTS | 7-18 FG | 2-5 FT | 34.2 FPS
Sengun delivered another productive all-around performance, though his numbers were still subpar. He also recorded his third straight game under 20 points after surpassing that mark seven times earlier this month.
STAT SPECIALIST:
Amen Thompson HOU SF 10 PTS | 14 REB | 3 AST | 32.3 FPS
Thompson cooled off on offense, finishing with his lowest scoring game of the season after averaging 25 points in his previous two outings. However, he compensated with a season-high in rebounds to record his third double-double of the season.
DEFENSIVE STANDOUT:
Clint Capela HOU C 12 REB | 1 STL | 1 BLK | 29.4 FPS
Capela stepped up today with Adams unavailable, posting a season-high and his third double-digit rebounding performance. Last season with the Hawks, he averaged 8.5 rebounds per game.
THE SHARPSHOOTER:
Brandin Podziemski GSW SG 14 PTS | 6-11 FG | 2-3 3PT | 22.8 FPS
Podz’s scoring has been highly up-and-down in recent games, posting 19+ points three times and 6 or fewer twice. Despite that, he’s still putting up a solid shooting performance this season, averaging 12 points on 39% shooting from three.
THE X-FACTOR:
Aaron Holiday HOU PG 14 PTS | 3 REB | 3 AST | 20.1 FPS
Holiday has provided solid point production in three of his last four games.
PLAYER TO WATCH:
Will Richard GSW SG 18 PTS | 6 REB | 2 STL | 31.2 FPS
Richard finished with two threes, six rebounds, and two steals in his second straight game. He also came through on offense today, recording his third 15-point game of the season.
BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT OF THE GAME:
Steph Curry GSW PG 14 PTS | 2-9 3PT | 7 TO
Curry made key contributions in other areas, but his struggle on offense was undeniable, finishing with his third-lowest scoring game of the season, along with a season-high in turnovers. To make matters worse, reports indicate that he sustained a right quad contusion and will undergo further testing.
