The Houston Rockets earned a statement win on the road Tuesday night, defeating the Golden State Warriors in a fast-paced, high-energy battle. Leading the charge were veteran point guard Fred VanVleet and rising star Amen Thompson, who combined for an impressive 51 points in the Rockets’ 118-109 victory. It was a performance that not only snapped a tough losing streak for Houston but also showcased the dynamic potential of their backcourt duo.
VanVleet, the experienced floor general brought in last offseason to provide leadership and shooting, poured in 28 points on a highly efficient 10-of-16 shooting, including 5-of-9 from three-point range. He also added seven assists and played a crucial role in managing the pace of the game, especially during key fourth-quarter stretches where Golden State threatened to rally behind Steph Curry’s late surge.
“He’s a steadying force for us,” Rockets head coach Ime Udoka said after the game. “Fred knows how to win. He knows how to control tempo, get us into the right sets, and tonight he made big-time shots when we needed them.”
But it wasn’t just VanVleet stealing the spotlight. Amen Thompson, the Rockets’ athletic and versatile second-year guard, had arguably his most complete performance of the season. Thompson finished with 23 points, nine rebounds, and four assists, using his elite speed and verticality to disrupt the Warriors on both ends of the floor. Whether it was slashing to the rim for a thunderous dunk or guarding multiple positions defensively, Thompson made his presence felt all night.
“I’m just trying to play my game, stay aggressive, and do what the team needs,” Thompson said postgame. “Fred’s been a huge help for me, just learning how to read the game, pick my spots. It’s all starting to click.”
The synergy between VanVleet and Thompson was particularly evident in the second half, when they took turns initiating the offense and punishing Golden State’s defensive rotations. With Curry drawing attention on one end, Houston’s guards consistently exploited mismatches on the other. Their ball movement, decision-making, and mutual trust kept the Warriors scrambling and highlighted the backcourt potential Houston is banking on for the future.
Golden State, meanwhile, struggled with consistency. Curry finished with 30 points but received little help from the rest of the starting unit. Klay Thompson and Andrew Wiggins both had off nights, and Houston took advantage with transition points and timely three-point shooting.
The win pushes Houston closer in the Western Conference play-in race and serves as a reminder that this young team is maturing fast. With VanVleet anchoring the locker room and Amen Thompson growing into a future star, the Rockets are beginning to form a foundation that could lead to sustained success.
“This is just the beginning,” said VanVleet. “We’ve got the talent. We’ve got the drive. Nights like this show what we’re capable of.”
Want a breakdown of how Houston’s defensive strategy worked against the Warriors?
