March 5, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Golden State Warriors guard De’Anthony Melton (8) tries to steal the ball from Houston Rockets guard Reed Shepherd (15) during the fourth quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images Given the fragility of Thursday’s opponent, the Houston Rockets were in position to open a crucial home game with a win that could help them pursue the third seed in the Western Conference.
Instead, the Rockets fell behind early against the short-handed Golden State Warriors and lost the first game of the back-to-back, 115-113, despite forcing overtime. They will look to bounce back against the visiting Portland Trail Blazers on Friday.
The Warriors were without Stephen Curry (knee), Jimmy Butler III (knee) and Kristaps Porzingis (illness), as well as Gary Payton II and Moses Moody. That roster reduction wasn’t enough to keep the Rockets from collapsing defensively in key moments of the game.
“At this stage of the season, it’s something that needs to be dealt with at the beginning of the season or last year in any case,” Rockets coach Ime Udoka said.
“Lack of communication is the main culprit. I feel like I’m louder on the sideline than a lot of guys on the court. Guys don’t hear it, guys don’t convert, I get underkicks and slipouts. Basic stuff we should have dealt with by now.”
Reserve guard Reed Shepherd continued his strong play after the All-Star break, scoring a game-high 30 points and hitting 6 3-pointers. With starter Tari Eason in foul trouble, Sheppard finished the game with the rest of the starters, perhaps signaling a future lineup change.
“Generally, we are looking at everything from start to finish and what is best for us,” Udoka said. “Like I always say, whoever finishes the game and plays well is going to be there at the end and Reed did that.
“It’s something we have to look at from the start, but just because he doesn’t start doesn’t mean he won’t finish. And we’ve seen that.”
The Trail Blazers will close a five-game road trip in Houston after snapping a two-game losing streak with a 122-114 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday. Portland leaned heavily on its veterans in the win, with Jrue Holiday, Jerami Grant and Robert Williams III combining for 85 points.
The Trail Blazers, currently ranked 10th in the West, have relied on their young core to compete for a spot in the postseason play-in tournament. But against Memphis, Holiday tied a career high with eight 3-pointers and finished with a season-high 35 points and 11 assists. Grant added 30 points and nine rebounds, while Williams had 20 points, 11 boards and three blocks.
“Juru and Jerami took care of the game,” Portland coach Thiago Splitter said. “We tried to find them. They were hot. Just drawing plays for them, calling plays for them. Rob utilized his size under the rim in the second half.”
The veterans provided an outstanding example of resilience after the Trail Blazers struggled in the first half. Leadership is exactly what Portland needs from these three during this transitional season.
“Everyone has to bring energy, but we try to steer it in the right direction,” Williams said. “How can we ask young people to do something we cannot do well ourselves?”
–Field level media
