The injury-depleted Golden State Warriors eked out a 115-113 overtime victory against the Houston Rockets on Thursday night, snapping a 4-8 skid and providing a badly needed lift as they navigate a brutal stretch of the schedule.
Who: Golden State played without Stephen Curry (persistent right knee soreness), Jimmy Butler (torn right ACL) and Kristaps Porzingis (illness), leaving Draymond Green as the lone available marquee name. Third-year guard Brandin Podziemski paced the Warriors with 26 points, while De’Anthony Melton added 23 and sealed the game with a late floater.
What: Podziemski’s corner three and driving dunk in overtime supplied the final separation. Green and veteran center Al Horford anchored the defense, with Green shadowing Kevin Durant and Horford bodying Alperen Sengun, who missed three of four shots in the extra period.
When & Where: The win came Thursday, March 5, 2026, at Toyota Center in Houston, a building where the Warriors have clinched three playoff series since 2018.
How: Forced to rely on depth pieces, head coach Steve Kerr leaned heavily on two-way players LJ Cryer, Nate Williams and Malevy Leons, who logged significant minutes off the bench. Kerr called the performance “vintage Draymond,” praising Green’s defense, playmaking and leadership.
Why it matters: Golden State improved to 32-30, still six games behind the Western Conference’s sixth seed but intent on “staying afloat,” as Green put it. Salary commitments to sidelined stars now total $144.4 million, underscoring the importance of every win.
Texts From the Absent Star
Before tipoff, Curry texted Green a simple message: “Keep going. I know it’s tough, but promise you, I’m coming back.” After the buzzer, another text arrived, loaded with exclamation points and congratulations. Green said the exchange boosted locker-room morale and reinforced confidence that Curry intends to return this season.
“Nobody’s expecting us to go on a 10-game win streak,” Green said. “But you just have to stay afloat. Tonight’s a big step toward that.”
The Warriors continue their road trip Saturday night in Oklahoma City on ABC.
Source: ESPN.com
