SAN FRANCISCO (AP) – Jonathan Kuminga scored a career-high 33 points and made two crucial layups over the final 1:04, and the Golden State Warriors snapped a five-game losing streak by beating the Houston Rockets 99-93 on Thursday night.
Andrew Wiggins added 23 points and Brandin Podziemski grabbed 12 rebounds for the Warriors in the opening game of a home back-to-back.
Golden State was missing starters Stephen Curry and Draymond Green because of injuries – Curry out to manage his painful knees and Green nursing tightness in his left calf. Both are likely to return Friday.
Wiggins had been questionable with an impingement in his right ankle.
Alperen Sengun had 16 points and eight rebounds to lead Houston.
Warriors nemesis Dillon Brooks started 1 for 6 and missed his initial four 3-point attempts before finishing with 15 points.
Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) is defended by Houston Rockets forward Amen Thompson, center, during the first half of an NBA basketball game in San Francisco, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)
Rockets: The NBA fined Rockets coach Ime Udoka and Sengun for their actions leading to ejections in a 120-111 loss at Sacramento on Tuesday night, and forward Tari Eason for an interaction with a fan following the game. Udoka was fined $50,000 for confronting and directing profane language toward a game official, failing to leave the court in a timely manner after being ejected and public criticism of the officiating during his postgame news conference.
Warriors: Kevon Looney earned his second start of the season and had 11 rebounds.
Wiggins hit a 3 and was fouled for a four-point play that tied the game at 40 with 3:29 left before halftime, then converted another four-point play with 12.2 seconds remaining in the half as the Warriors took a 49-43 lead into the break.
The Warriors held their ground in the low post against Steven Adams, scoring 52 points in the paint and outrebounding the Rockets 54-45.
Houston visits the Clippers on Sunday, while the Warriors host the Timberwolves on Friday and again Sunday.
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry gestures during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Houston Rockets in San Francisco, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)
Golden State Warriors forward Kyle Anderson (1) drives to the basket against Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in San Francisco, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)
Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green, left, and Golden State Warriors guard Moses Moody (4) fight for a loose ball during the first half of an NBA basketball game in San Francisco, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)
Golden State Warriors forward Kevon Looney (5) shoots against Houston Rockets forward Dillon Brooks (9) and center Alperen Sengun, right, during the first half of an NBA basketball game in San Francisco, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)
Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (4) is defended by Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II, left, during the first half of an NBA basketball game in San Francisco, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)
Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski (2) drives to the basket against Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet (5) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in San Francisco, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)
Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins (22) shoots against Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in San Francisco, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)
Golden State Warriors guard Buddy Hield (7) shoots against Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard (15) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in San Francisco, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)
