Warriors Clutch Defense and Offensive Spark Stifle Rockets' Comeback Bid
The Golden State Warriors held on for a thrilling 112-108 victory over the Houston Rockets on Tuesday night, thanks to a clutch defensive stop and an offensive spark from Jordan Poole.
With the game tied at 108 and just seconds remaining, the Rockets had the ball and a chance to take the lead. James Harden drove to the basket, but Draymond Green stepped up and forced him into a tough shot that went wide.
On the ensuing possession, Poole drained a pull-up three-pointer to give the Warriors a 111-108 lead. After the Rockets missed a potential game-tying shot, Poole hit a free throw to seal the victory.
Defensive Stand
The Warriors' defense was solid throughout the game, but it was especially impressive in the fourth quarter. They held the Rockets to just 22 points in the period, including only 9 points over the final eight minutes.
Green was a key part of the defensive effort, as he guarded Harden for most of the night and limited him to just 17 points on 6-of-16 shooting. The rest of the Warriors' defense also played well, as they contested shots and forced the Rockets into turnovers.
Offensive Spark
Poole provided a much-needed offensive spark for the Warriors, especially in the fourth quarter. He scored 12 of his 23 points in the final period, including the game-winning three-pointer.
Poole's performance was a welcome sight for the Warriors, who have struggled to find consistent offense from their bench this season. He has shown flashes of brilliance throughout the year, and his performance against the Rockets was a reminder of his potential.
Important Victory
The victory was an important one for the Warriors, as it snapped a two-game losing streak. It also moved them back into a tie for the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference.
The Warriors still have a lot of work to do to make the playoffs, but Tuesday night's performance showed that they have the potential to be a dangerous team when they are playing well.