Rockets lose to Warriors 124-114

Posted: January 4, 2018 -- 11:15 pm CST.

HOUSTON, TX (Toyota Center) -- The Houston Rockets had a dry spell in the final 70 seconds of the fourth quarter and the first 2 minutes and 3 seconds to start the fourth quarter; and, the Golden State Warriors capitalized and erased a 90-85 Rockets' lead to defeat the Rockets 124-114.

"There are no moral victories," Chris Paul said after the game. "We played a hard game; but, we need to get better down the stretch. We got to do better down the stretch."

Eric Gordon scored a driving layup with 74 seconds left in the third quarter to put the Rockets ahead 90-85. Then, Golden State's Kevon Looney got a dunk before Nick Young swished a three-point shot to tie the game at 90. Next, after Gordon missed a three-point shot attempt, Steph Curry swished a three-pointer with 2.7 seconds left in the third quarter for a 93-90 Warriors' lead after 36 minutes.

"We can't make mistakes defensively," Gordon said in the locker room after the game. "We made a couple of mistakes toward the end of the game where we switched and let them get two easy baskets. But, overall, we played well. You can't make too many mistakes against this team."

The Warriors went on an 8-1 run the first 2:03 of the fourth quarter; and, what was once a five point Rockets' lead became a 10 point Rockets' deficit in less than three and a half minutes.

"It's the little stuff we just didn't do," said Rockets Head Coach Mike D'Antoni after the game. "And, you make a mistake against these guys, who play at a very high level; and, obviously they're champions, you pay. And, we paid.

"We've got to get better; but, I do believe; and, I hope our guys believe, that when it's all said and done, we'l have life. Now, can we learn as a team and get better? We'll see."

The Rockets were able to cut the Warriors' lead to five points twice in the final quarter; but, each time, Klay Thompson made a basket to keep the Rockets' at arms' length.

Trailing 115-105, Chris Paul made a long 30-foot three-point shot to bring the Rockets within seven points; but, Steph Curry swished a three-point shot to boost the lead back to 10 points.

Before Curry made the three-point shot, Chris Paul attacked the basket and missed a driving layup. Paul thought he was fouled on the drive. After not getting a foul called in his favor, Paul expressed his feelings to the referees after Curry's basket and was whistled for a technical foul.

The Rockets did not get closer than 10 points during the final moments of the game.

"They're (the Warriors) very good. They're very good," D'Antoni continued. "We've got to get better as a team. We're not just quite there defensively; communication; and all the stuff we can control, we're not doing.

"To me, it comes down (to) they're all talented players out there; and, you go to have some good gamesmanship. You got to know how to play and you got to be smart. You're not going to beat these guys unless you're smart. Because they're smart; and, they've been playing together five years. And, we've been together three months; so, you know we've just got to make improvements."

Chris Paul agreed with D'Antoni.

"We got to be better defensively," Paul acknowledged. "Communicate as a team. That's a team (the Warriors). That's a team that moves the ball well. They play like they've been together forever. We've got to clean up some things; but, we will be okay."

With win tonight, the Warriors even the series against the Rockets 1-1 with one game remaining: Saturday, January 20, in Houston. Golden State has won seven straight on the road versus the Rockets.

The Rockets are 1-3 over their last four home games after winning nine in a row at home from November 5 to December 18.

Eric Gordon scored a game-high 30 points tonight. Gordon has scored 20 plus 19 times in 35 games played this season. The Rockets are 12-7 in those games.

Chris Paul scored 28 points; pulled down 7 rebounds; and handed out 9 assists in 36 minutes tonight. Tonight's loss is the Rockets' first loss when he played more than 26 minutes this season (15-1 mark); and, the Rockets' first loss when Paul scores 20 plus points (8-1 mark).

Gerald Green scored 29 points tonight after scoring 27 last night in Orlando versus the Orlando Magic. It's Green's first time scoring 20 plus points in consecutive games since a career-best four-game span from April 4, 2014 to April 11, 2014.

"We made some mental errors, I think, down the stretch; and, they (the Warriors) cam back. And, they really executed plays. They got open; and, they just kind of separated themselves from us. They're a really good team; but, I really think that if we just keep getting better and better, we will be right there with them."

Steph Curry led the Warriors with 29 points. Curry added 9 rebounds, and 9 assists. Klay Thompson scored 28. Draymond Green scored 17 points, pulled down 14 rebounds; and dished out 10 assists for his 21st triple-double with the Warriors.

The Rockets' next game is at Detroit, Saturday, January 6th, at 6 p.m.

CLICK HERE for The HRR's Rockets' write-ups.