Perennial All-Star and MVP candidate Steph Curry hit the first buzzer-beater of his storied NBA career on Friday night, lifting the host Warriors to a 105-103 victory (box score) over the visiting Rockets.
Curry shot just 6-of-21 (28.6%), but he finished with 22 points and 12 assists and came through when Golden State needed him most. Houston led for most of the game but did not score in the final three minutes.
Christian Wood (19 points, 15 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks) and Kevin Porter Jr. (17 points, 8 assists, 4 steals) led the way for Houston, but each missed a 3-pointer in the final 65 seconds that would have put the Rockets in front. Wood was brilliant for most of his 34 minutes, shooting 7-of-13 from the field (53.8%) and 3-of-5 on 3-pointers (60.0%).
Rookie guard Jalen Green struggled mightily with 3 points on 0-of-11 shooting and had a crucial turnover late in the game. But in contrast to Wednesday, head coach Stephen Silas allowed the 19-year-old to close the game on Friday, using it as a learning experience.
After shooting 22-of-45 on 3-pointers (48.9%) in Wednesday’s thrilling win at Utah, that performance slipped to 10-of-35 on Friday (28.6%), and that gap proved significant. Garrison Mathews hit 2-of-5 from 3-point range, but one of those misses was a clean look in the final seconds prior to Curry’s walk-off winner from the top of the key.
🚨 STEPHEN CURRY CALLS GAME 🚨
His #TissotBuzzerBeater lifts the @warriors! #ThisIsYourTime pic.twitter.com/SCzYCYnKsj
— NBA (@NBA) January 22, 2022
For the Rockets (14-33), Friday’s heartbreaker ends a long five-game road trip at 3-2. In the grand scheme, that should be viewed as a success for a rebuilding season. Yet, the result will be painful after having a golden opportunity slip away versus an elite opponent like the Warriors, who own the second-best record in the Western Conference at 33-13.
Houston will now have an extended break, likely featuring ample practice time, before kicking off a four-game homestand with Tuesday’s matchup versus San Antonio at Toyota Center. For now, scroll on for highlights and postgame reaction from Friday’s tough loss at Golden State.
That was Stephen Curry's first career game-winning buzzer-beater
Curry's game-winning buzzer-beater is the first by a Warriors player since Andre Iguodala on Jan. 3, 2014 against the Hawks (which was assisted by Curry). pic.twitter.com/xKZ6PyhBAi
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) January 22, 2022
Highlights
Stephen Silas proud
Stephen Silas: “I think we have found some success that we are trying to build up and with that success comes expectations of ourselves. Early of the season we didn’t really know who were and we’re starting to find out who we are and what we can expect from our group…" pic.twitter.com/iovz1sN2w0
— Adam Spolane (@AdamSpolane) January 22, 2022
Asked if this loss was more painful than others, Stephen Silas was quick to reply: "No. No. It was a tough loss the way it ended, but we fought… Our grit, our togetherness, our fight were the things I'm drawing from this game… I'm actually more proud."
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) January 22, 2022
Stephen Silas: “Our grit and our togetherness and our fight are the things I’m drawing from this game. Obviously it’s disappointing to lose, but as far as it being more disappointing than any other (loss), not so much. Actually more proud.” pic.twitter.com/tkhqz6U5pP
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) January 22, 2022
Stephen Silas on playing Jalen Green late
Stephen Silas on Jalen Green's offensive rebound and stop on Curry late: "Those are the moments he can focus on. Those are the moments he needs to grow."
— Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) January 22, 2022
Silas on Green’s night, shooting struggles but good effort plays down the stretch. Was proud of the good plays he had and shots he took, key offensive rebounds and a big stop on Curry.
“He’ll be disappointed but shouldn’t be overly disappointed. Another learning moment.”
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIkoNBA) January 22, 2022
Stephen Silas on Kevin Porter Jr.
Asked Stephen Silas about Kevin Porter Jr.'s recent playmaking: "16 assists and only two turnovers the last two games. That's good stuff."
Silas also, unrelated to my question, highlighted KPJ's defense tonight on Steph Curry.
— Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) January 22, 2022
Stephen Silas on Kevin Porter Jr: “The defensive job he did on Curry tonight was like really good, really, really good.” pic.twitter.com/VksSCoyjip
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) January 22, 2022
KJ Martin
Martin scored 14 points off the bench on 6-of-9 shooting (66.7%) in 26 minutes, and he also had 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals.
KJ Martin: “We played with a lot of energy and a lot of spirit. Having to see that last shot fall, it was hard to take.” pic.twitter.com/7GtAUHW36M
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) January 22, 2022
Christian Wood on effort, officiating
https://twitter.com/danielle_lerner/status/1484772070995025921
Shout-out to Christian Wood sticking up for Kevin Porter Jr. and calling out the officials.
He's absolutely right. https://t.co/oZq0SumpAw
— Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) January 22, 2022
https://twitter.com/MarkBermanFox26/status/1484778759140126720
