Rockets vs. Warriors: Score, Highlights, Reaction from 2016 Regular Season

While it’s probably not the revenge they are ultimately looking for, the Houston Rockets earned a 132-127 win in double overtime on Thursday at Oracle Arena over the Golden State Warriors team that knocked them out of the last two postseasons.

The victory moved Houston to 12-7 and snapped the 16-3 Warriors’ 12-game winning streak.

In a Western Conference showdown filled with superstars, James Harden shone the brightest with a triple-double. He directed the Houston attack with 29 points, 13 assists and 15 rebounds as the primary ball-handler, scorer and facilitator.

Sean Highkin of The Athletic commented on Harden’s offensive freedom:

Harden’s such an unreal passer and I’m so glad he’s got a coach now that lets him play PG.

— Sean Highkin (@highkin) December 2, 2016

It wasn’t only Harden, as Ryan Anderson poured in five three-pointers on his way to 29 points. Eric Gordon added 23 points off the bench, and the Rockets connected on 14 threes as a team. Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle noted the Rockets hit at least 10 threes for the 18th straight game, which marked an NBA record.

Kevin Durant spearheaded the Warriors with 39 points and 13 rebounds, while Stephen Curry fought through foul trouble to post 28 points, five assists and three steals. Draymond Green just missed a triple-double with 20 points, 15 rebounds and nine assists, but Golden State received only 23 points from its bench in the shootout.

Despite the high scoring totals, Durant (3-of-11), Curry (4-of-13) and Klay Thompson (3-of-13 and 15 points) all struggled to establish consistency from three-point range.

The teams weren’t shy attempting shots from behind the arc, as ESPN Stats & Info shared:

This is the first game in NBA history in which both teams have attempted 40 three-pointers.

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) December 2, 2016

The offenses set the tone early, and Houston ended the first quarter with a 32-30 lead. Harden scored 11 points in the opening 12 minutes, while Durant countered with eight. 

The first quarter included a beautifully placed pass from Harden to Gordon, as the Rockets shared:

End of 1: Rockets lead 32-30!