On Wednesday night, the Houston Rockets evened their first-round playoff series by defeating the Golden State Warriors, 109-94. But amid Jalen Green’s historic bounce-back performance, a controversial third-quarter moment sparked concern across NBA circles, one involving Stephen Curry’s safety.

In a key possession during the third, Curry was hounded by both Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green. As Curry tried to maintain control, Green visibly grabbed him around the hips. Both players tumbled to the floor, and Green ultimately wrestled the ball free. Despite the clear hip pull happening in front of the referee, no foul was called. The missed call left fans fuming and analysts questioning the officiating.

It’s especially concerning given Curry’s injury history. Just last month, he suffered a pelvic contusion—an injury eerily close to where Green yanked him down. Curry has also dealt with ankle sprains, thumb sprains, and chronic knee tendinitis this season. After returning in protective gear for his pelvis, these types of plays pose a real risk.

Rockets coach Ime Udoka even acknowledged the officials’ leniency mid-game, telling his players, “Don’t worry, they’re not gonna call anything.”

This incident overshadowed what should have been Jalen Green’s breakout moment. The 22-year-old exploded for a franchise postseason record of eight 3-pointers and 38 points, bouncing back from a rough Game 1 where he shot just 3-for-15. He added six assists, four boards, and three steals while leading a Rockets offense that started hot and never let up.

Despite the frustrations with the officiating, Curry put together a solid performance, shooting 6-15 from the field and 4-4 from the free-throw line. However, he had 6 turnovers and struggled to help his team find their offensive rhythm, which ultimately led to the Warriors’ downfall. Moses Moody, a bright spot off the bench, contributed 12 points in 24 minutes, hitting 3 of 6 from three-point range, but his efforts were not enough to overcome the Rockets’ offensive firepower. He also registered 2 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal, but the Warriors still found themselves trailing by double digits for most of the game.

Draymond Green, who usually thrives on defense, had 8 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals. However, he shot just 2-6 from the field, adding to the team’s shooting struggles. His 5 turnovers also hindered any chance of a comeback as Golden State couldn’t capitalize on their opportunities. Quinten Post also stepped up, contributing 12 points in 24 minutes with a 50% shooting percentage from beyond the arc, but even his efforts were not enough to turn the tide for the Warriors.

Rockets’ Dominance and Solid Team Performance

While the Warriors struggled, the Houston Rockets played one of their most complete games of the season. With standout performances from Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, and Dillon Brooks, the Rockets were simply too much for Golden State to handle.

Jalen Green was the standout performer, dropping 38 points on 13-25 shooting, including 8-18 from three-point range. He also added 4 rebounds and 6 assists, proving why he’s considered one of the future stars of the league. Green’s ability to consistently knock down shots from deep, especially in clutch moments, kept the Warriors from ever finding a foothold in the game.

Alperen Sengun contributed a double-double with 17 points and 16 rebounds. His 6-15 shooting performance and 4 assists showcased his all-around skills. As the Rockets’ primary playmaker in the frontcourt, Sengun’s ability to create for others while also finishing at the rim made him a huge factor in Houston’s success.

Dillon Brooks added 16 points, shooting 6-12 from the field, and hit 2 of 5 from three-point range. His defensive prowess was on full display, as he helped stifle Curry and the Warriors’ perimeter game throughout the night.

Amen Thompson, another rising star for the Rockets, scored 11 points and added 3 assists, playing an important role in keeping the Warriors’ defense on edge.

The Golden State Warriors’ loss to the Houston Rockets was a combination of poor shooting, careless turnovers, and, notably, some very questionable officiating. The missed calls, particularly those on Stephen Curry, not only put the Warriors at a disadvantage but also potentially put their star player at risk of injury. It’s clear that the team will need to focus on improving its ball security and finding better ways to handle pressure from opponents like the Rockets.

As for the Rockets, this win is a sign of their continued growth and potential. With standout performances from Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun, they’re showing that they can compete with the best. If they can stay consistent and continue developing their young talent, Houston may be poised to challenge more established teams in the coming seasons.