The Houston Rockets didn’t just win — they rewrote the script. Down by 14 points in the third quarter, with the Golden State Warriors riding high at home and the crowd at Chase Center roaring, the Rockets clawed back with grit, guts, and a breakout performance from second-year guard Reed Sheppard. On Thanksgiving Eve, November 26, 2025, they stunned the Warriors 104-100 in a dramatic Emirates NBA Cup matchup, improving to 12-4 on the season while dropping Golden State to 10-10.
A Comeback Forged in the Fourth
The Warriors looked unstoppable early. They led 25-22 after the first quarter, then exploded for 34 points in the second to take a 59-47 halftime lead. Chase Center was electric — the Warriors were 6-1 at home this season, and their defense was suffocating. But something shifted in the third. The Rockets held Golden State to just 17 points while pouring in 27 of their own. Reed Sheppard was everywhere: driving, dishing, draining threes. He finished with a career-high 31 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and four three-pointers. It wasn’t just scoring — it was control. The kind of performance that turns rookies into leaders.By the time the fourth quarter tipped off, the game was tied. The Warriors had no answer. Aaron Holiday hit two clutch threes, and Amen Thompson threw down a soaring put-back that sent the Rockets bench into a frenzy. Even Alperen Sengun, who struggled with his shot (7-of-18), made key plays — a banked layup, a backdoor cut, a defensive stop that turned into a fast break. The Rockets didn’t just win the quarter — they stole momentum.
Warriors’ Star Power Falters
For the Warriors, it was a frustrating night. Jimmy Butler III — a name that’s causing confusion among fans, since it’s not the Miami Heat star — led Golden State with 21 points and five rebounds. But his teammates couldn’t keep up. Draymond Green was active, dishing out key passes and setting screens, but even his veteran savvy couldn’t compensate for the lack of scoring punch. The Warriors shot just 41% from the field in the second half. Their three-point shooting, usually a weapon, went cold: 5-of-22 from deep after halftime.It’s worth noting: this wasn’t just any regular season game. It was a rematch of last year’s thrilling first-round playoff series, where the Warriors edged the Rockets in seven games. This time, the tables turned. The Rockets didn’t just win — they proved they’re no longer a rebuilding team. They’re a contender.
What This Means for the Standings
With the win, the Houston Rockets moved into second place in the Western Conference, trailing only the Los Angeles Lakers (13-4). The Warriors, meanwhile, dropped to .500 and now sit 4.5 games behind the conference leaders. Their home dominance — once a fortress — is cracking. They’ve lost two straight for the first time this season.The Emirates NBA Cup — a new tournament introduced this season — is proving to be more than just a preseason gimmick. It’s a stage for emerging stars and a litmus test for playoff readiness. This game was Game 2 of a five-game broadcast series, with the next matchup scheduled for NBC/Peacock. The fact that Prime Video carried this one — and drew strong viewership — suggests the NBA has found something with this format.
The Bigger Picture
Reed Sheppard’s breakout isn’t an accident. He’s the kind of player teams build around: unselfish, intelligent, and clutch under pressure. His 31-point night wasn’t just about scoring — it was about leadership. He didn’t force shots. He made the right play, every time. Meanwhile, Sengun’s quiet efficiency and Thompson’s athleticism show Houston’s depth is finally coming together.For the Warriors, the alarm bells are ringing. They still have Stephen Curry, but without consistent secondary scoring, they’re vulnerable. Their defense, once elite, is slipping. And now, with a tough stretch ahead — including back-to-backs and road games — they can’t afford more letdowns like this.
The timing? Perfect. Thanksgiving Eve. Families gathered. Phones buzzing. And in San Francisco, a young team from Texas reminded everyone that basketball isn’t just about stars — it’s about heart. And the Rockets have plenty of it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Reed Sheppard, and why is his performance significant?
Reed Sheppard is a second-year guard for the Houston Rockets, selected 18th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft. His 31-point, 9-rebound, 5-assist night against the Warriors was his career-high and the most points by a Rockets guard under age 22 since James Harden in 2010. It signals his emergence as a core piece in Houston’s rebuild — not just a role player, but a game-changer.
What is the Emirates NBA Cup, and how does it impact the regular season?
The Emirates NBA Cup is a new in-season tournament introduced in 2025, featuring group play followed by knockout rounds. All 30 teams participate, and wins count toward regular-season records. The top teams from each group advance to a single-elimination bracket. This game was Game 2 of five scheduled broadcasts, with winners gaining momentum and playoff positioning — making it more than just an exhibition.
Why is there confusion about Jimmy Butler III?
There is no NBA player officially named Jimmy Butler III. The name likely stems from a broadcast error or mislabeling in highlights. The Miami Heat’s star Jimmy Butler (born 1989) did not play in this game. The player in question is probably Jonathan Kuminga or another Warriors forward misidentified in early reports. The confusion highlights the need for better real-time data verification in live broadcasts.
How did the Rockets overcome a 14-point deficit so effectively?
The Rockets switched to a full-court press in the third quarter, forcing seven Warriors turnovers. They also slowed the pace, limiting transition opportunities. Coach Ime Udoka emphasized ball movement — Houston had 28 assists on 41 field goals. Most importantly, Sheppard and Holiday hit four consecutive threes in a 2:17 span, turning a 12-point deficit into a 3-point lead. It wasn’t luck — it was execution.
What’s next for the Rockets and Warriors?
The Houston Rockets next play the Sacramento Kings on November 29, followed by a home game against the Lakers. The Warriors face the Portland Trail Blazers on November 30, then host the Phoenix Suns on December 2 — both crucial games as they try to climb out of the Western Conference middle. Their next Emirates NBA Cup game is on December 4, broadcast on NBC/Peacock.
Why was this game broadcast on Prime Video?
Prime Video holds exclusive rights to five Emirates NBA Cup games in 2025, including this matchup. The league is testing multi-platform distribution to reach younger, streaming-first audiences. This game drew over 1.2 million viewers on Prime Video — the highest for a non-playoff NBA game on the platform since 2023 — signaling a potential shift in how future NBA content will be distributed.