Stephen Curry is known for making the impossible look routine. His dazzling ball-handling, endless range, and lightning-quick release have baffled defenses for over a decade. But every once in a while, a team figures out how to slow him down — at least a little. Last night, it was the Houston Rockets who rose to the challenge, putting on a defensive clinic to make life difficult for the Warriors’ superstar.
From the opening possession, it was clear the Rockets came into the game with a plan: be physical, stay attached to Curry’s hip, and never give him a clean look at the basket. Houston’s young, athletic roster showed discipline beyond their years, switching aggressively on screens and communicating nonstop to avoid the breakdowns that Steph is so good at exploiting.
At the heart of the Rockets’ defensive effort was Dillon Brooks. Known for his intensity and willingness to take on the toughest assignments, Brooks embraced the challenge of guarding Curry. He hounded Steph full-court at times, fighting through screens and using his size and physicality to bump Curry off his preferred spots. While it’s nearly impossible to shut down a player of Curry’s caliber completely, Brooks made sure that every shot, every dribble, every movement required extra effort.
But it wasn’t just Brooks. The Rockets defended Curry by committee. Jalen Green, Fred VanVleet, and even Jabari Smith Jr. all took turns making life uncomfortable for him. Their goal was simple: wear him down. They constantly trapped him on pick-and-rolls, sent help when he tried to drive, and closed out hard on every three-point attempt. It was relentless — the kind of focused, high-energy defense that takes a full team commitment to pull off.
Curry, for his part, still found ways to contribute. Great players always do. He finished with a respectable stat line — 21 points, 5 assists, and 4 rebounds — but it was far from the free-flowing, electrifying performances we’re used to seeing. His shooting percentage was lower than usual, and you could see the frustration creep in at times. Forced into tougher, contested looks and rushed decisions, Steph simply couldn’t get into the effortless rhythm that makes him so dangerous.
Houston’s strategy wasn’t just about stopping Curry, either. They understood that if they could limit his impact, the rest of the Warriors’ offense would suffer. Golden State relies heavily on Steph’s gravity — his ability to pull defenders toward him and create open looks for teammates. By denying him the ball and staying disciplined on help defense, the Rockets clogged passing lanes and forced the Warriors into rushed, contested shots.
Another key factor was Houston’s ability to control the boards and limit Golden State’s second-chance opportunities. Alperen Şengün was a force inside, grabbing tough rebounds and making sure the Warriors couldn’t extend possessions after missed shots. Every defensive stand seemed to energize the Rockets even more, fueling their transition game and keeping the Warriors on their heels.
This performance speaks volumes about the Rockets’ growth. Under head coach Ime Udoka, Houston has developed a new identity — one built on toughness, discipline, and accountability. No longer just a rebuilding team full of promise, they are now starting to show they can compete with — and frustrate — some of the best players in the world.
In the end, the Rockets’ effort didn’t just slow down Steph; it set the tone for the entire game. Defense turned into offense, energy turned into momentum, and confidence grew with every possession. It was a reminder that in the NBA, even the greatest scorers can be made to work for everything — and that a young, hungry team like Houston is more than capable of rising to the occasion.
Curry will undoubtedly bounce back — he always does — but for one night, the Rockets locked him up and sent a clear message: they’re not an easy matchup for anyone anymore.
🔒🚀
