TEXAS – Stephen Curry waxed hot in the fourth quarter and the Golden State Warriors prevailed over Houston Rockets, 122-108, in the 2021-2022 NBA Season on Monday night (Tuesday in the Philippines) at the Toyota Center in Houston.
The two-time NBA MVP awardee dropped 21 of his 40 points total in the fourth period as the Warriors notched its sixth consecutive victory to stay at second in the West with 38-13 record.
Andrew Wiggins added 23 markers, including three triples. Klay Thompson, rookie Moses Moody and Juan Toscano-Anderson contributed 14, 11 and 10 markers.
Holding to a 63-60 edge in the third canto, the Warriors leaned on outside hits by Wiggins, Moody and Curry and inside baskets by Toscano-Anderson for an 85-67 edge.
The Rockets countered with a run as they trimmed the deficit to 94-98 midway in the fourth but consecutive shots from Curry and Wiggins widened the lead for the Warriors at 108-99.
Houston made its last push at 104-108 but five straight points by Curry followed by inside conversions from Kevon Looney and Moody gave Golden State a 122-106 edge.
Christian Wood had double-double 24 points and 13 rebounds. Kevin Porter Jr. chipped in 17 points and 11 assists, while Filipino-American Jalen Green struggled with 10 points as the Rockets dropped to 14-36.
Meanwhile, rookie Isaiah Jackson had a career game as the shorthanded Indiana Pacers (19-33) pulled off a 122-116 stunner over Los Angeles Clippers (26-27).
Jackson, who took over the spot of injured Domantas Sabonis, tallied double-double 26 points and 10 rebounds as the Pacers halted its losing skid.
In other results, Cleveland Cavaliers rallied to defeat New Orleans Pelicans, 93-90; Philadelphia 76ers escaped with a 122-119 win over Memphis Grizzlies; and Boston Celtics mauled Miami Heat, 122-92.
BOX SCORE:
GOLDEN STATE 122 — Curry 40, Wiggins 23, Thompson 14, Moody 11, Toscano-Anderson 10, Payton 8, Looney 7, Poole 6, Kuminga 3, Lee 0, Chiozza 0.
HOUSTON 108 — Wood 24, Porter 17, Christopher 13, Gordon 12, Mathews 11, Tate 10, Green 10, Martin 9, Sengun 2.
Quarterscores: 23-25, 61-52, 87-78, 122-108./PN
