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Reading: Grading Warriors Players vs. Rockets: Curry Drops 27 Points To Withstand Late Houston Comeback
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Home > NBA News & Analysis > Golden State Warriors News & Analysis > Grading Warriors Players vs. Rockets: Curry Drops 27 Points To Withstand Late Houston Comeback

Grading Warriors Players vs. Rockets: Curry Drops 27 Points To Withstand Late Houston Comeback

The Warriors had to endure a ferocious comeback from the Houston Rockets en route to a solid 105-98 win on Thursday night.

Eddie Bitar
Feb 14, 2025
9 Min Read
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Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

Stephen Curry scored 27 points and sparked a decisive late run as the Golden State Warriors held off the Houston Rockets for a 105-98 victory on Thursday night. Golden State, which led by as many as 24, saw its advantage dwindle to two points in the fourth quarter before Curry and Jimmy Butler stepped up. 

Contents
  • Stephen Curry: A
  • Brandin Podziemski: B+
  • Jimmy Butler III: B
  • Draymond Green: B
  • Moses Moody: B-
  • Kevon Looney: C+
  • Gui Santos: C
  • Pat Spencer: C
  • Buddy Hield: D
  • Quinten Post: N/A

Curry drilled a dazzling 3-pointer over Jeff Green to cap an 11-2 Warriors run, and Butler followed with an emphatic two-handed dunk that brought Golden State’s bench to its feet, sealing the game with about two minutes remaining.

Butler, who continues to shine in his early games with the Warriors, added 19 points, narrowly missing his fourth straight 20-point performance since joining the team in a trade from Miami. Golden State’s defense also stepped up when needed, stifling Houston’s reserves after they had keyed a 16-6 surge to cut the lead to 88-86 early in the fourth quarter. Despite the Rockets’ late push, the Warriors maintained their composure, improving their ability to close out tight games.

While Houston struggled, benching starters Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, and Dillon Brooks in the fourth quarter, the Warriors showed why their veteran experience matters. Golden State heads into the All-Star break with momentum, confident that Butler will continue to mesh with his new teammates as they look to solidify their standing in the Western Conference. Let’s provide a grade for every Warriors player for his performance. 


Stephen Curry: A

Stats: 27 PTS, 5 REB (1 OREB, 4 DREB), 3 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 2 PF, 7-17 FG, 5-13 3PT, 8-9 FT, +7, 35 MIN

Curry delivered when it mattered most, scoring a game-high 27 points, including a clutch three-pointer in the closing minutes to cap an 11-2 run that sealed the game. While his shooting from the field (7-of-17) and three-point range (5-of-13) wasn’t elite by his standards, Curry’s ability to get to the free-throw line and convert (8-of-9) highlighted his veteran poise. His lone turnover in 35 minutes reflected his efficient floor management, making him the unquestionable leader of this victory.


Brandin Podziemski: B+

Stats: 18 PTS, 5 REB (0 OREB, 5 DREB), 4 AST, 4 STL, 1 BLK, 1 TO, 2 PF, 7-17 FG, 2-7 3PT, 2-2 FT, +1, 39 MIN

Podziemski showcased his versatility and hustle, scoring 18 points while contributing on both ends of the floor. His four steals and one block reflected his defensive tenacity, while his five rebounds helped Golden State control the glass. Though he struggled from beyond the arc (2-of-7), his overall aggressiveness and willingness to take big shots highlighted his growing confidence. Logging a team-high 39 minutes, Podziemski continues to establish himself as a critical rotation player.


Jimmy Butler III: B

Stats: 19 PTS, 8 REB (4 OREB, 4 DREB), 4 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 0 PF, 6-15 FG, 1-4 3PT, 6-6 FT, +10, 35 MIN

Butler was reliable yet slightly subdued compared to his previous outings, tallying 19 points and eight rebounds. His ability to draw contact and convert all six of his free throws was key to keeping Houston at bay. While his shooting was inconsistent (6-of-15 overall), his emphatic late-game dunk provided a crucial exclamation point to the Warriors’ win. Butler continues to mesh well with his new teammates, offering steady contributions on both ends of the floor.


Draymond Green: B

Stats: 13 PTS, 4 REB (1 OREB, 3 DREB), 8 AST, 2 STL, 1 BLK, 4 TO, 2 PF, 5-8 FG, 1-3 3PT, 2-2 FT, +8, 30 MIN

Green had a well-rounded performance, finishing with 13 points, eight assists, and two steals. His court vision and passing were on full display, as he frequently set up teammates for easy buckets. However, his four turnovers were a blemish in an otherwise strong showing. Offensively efficient (5-of-8 from the field), Green’s veteran leadership helped the Warriors maintain composure during the Rockets’ fourth-quarter surge.


Moses Moody: B-

Stats: 10 PTS, 6 REB (2 OREB, 4 DREB), 1 AST, 2 STL, 2 BLK, 0 TO, 3 PF, 4-9 FG, 1-4 3PT, 1-2 FT, +10, 34 MIN

Moody’s night was defined by his contributions on defense, with two steals and two blocks helping to stifle Houston’s reserves. Offensively, he scored 10 points but shot just 4-of-9 from the field and 1-of-4 from three. Moody’s six rebounds, including two offensive boards, gave the Warriors extra opportunities, though his three fouls limited his aggressiveness down the stretch. Solid, but not spectacular, Moody continues to be a dependable presence.


Kevon Looney: C+

Stats: 5 PTS, 9 REB (1 OREB, 8 DREB), 2 AST, 1 STL, 0 BLK, 2 TO, 5 PF, 2-4 FG, 0-0 3PT, 1-2 FT, +8, 16 MIN

Looney quietly anchored the Warriors’ interior, grabbing nine rebounds, eight of which came on the defensive end. His offensive contributions were limited, scoring just five points on 2-of-4 shooting, but his steady presence helped Golden State maintain control of the paint. Looney’s five personal fouls, however, hindered his ability to play extended minutes in this matchup.


Gui Santos: C

Stats: 5 PTS, 2 REB (0 OREB, 2 DREB), 2 AST, 2 STL, 0 BLK, 1 TO, 2 PF, 1-4 FG, 1-3 3PT, 2-2 FT, -7, 17 MIN

Santos had an uneven performance in his 17 minutes on the floor. While he scored five points, including a three-pointer, his 1-of-4 shooting reflected his offensive struggles. On the positive side, he displayed hustle on defense with two steals and added two assists. Still, his -7 plus/minus indicated that his time on the court didn’t significantly impact the game’s outcome.


Pat Spencer: C

Stats: 6 PTS, 1 REB (0 OREB, 1 DREB), 1 AST, 1 STL, 1 BLK, 1 TO, 2 PF, 2-7 FG, 0-0 3PT, 2-2 FT, -2, 13 MIN

Spencer showed flashes of potential with six points and a block, but his 2-of-7 shooting night left much to be desired. Playing just 13 minutes, he wasn’t able to find a consistent rhythm offensively. However, his willingness to compete on defense and his perfect performance at the free-throw line (2-of-2) offered a glimpse of his ability to contribute in limited action.


Buddy Hield: D

Stats: 2 PTS, 1 REB (0 OREB, 1 DREB), 0 AST, 1 STL, 1 BLK, 0 TO, 0 PF, 1-5 FG, 0-4 3PT, 0-0 FT, +3, 14 MIN

Hield had another frustrating night, scoring just two points on 1-of-5 shooting. He missed all four of his three-point attempts, negating his reputation as a sharpshooter. While he added a steal and a block, his lack of offensive production and limited presence on the boards (one rebound) made him a non-factor in this game. Golden State will need more from Hield moving forward. 


Quinten Post: N/A

Stats: 0 PTS, 1 REB (0 OREB, 1 DREB), 1 AST, 0 STL, 0 BLK, 0 TO, 0 PF, 0-3 FG, 0-3 3PT, 0-0 FT, -3, 7 MIN

Post had a forgettable seven minutes, failing to score while missing all three of his shot attempts, including two from deep. His lone highlight was an assist, but his limited impact on both ends of the floor earned him a -3 plus/minus. It was a tough outing for Post, who struggled to find a rhythm in his brief time on the court.

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TAGGED:Draymond GreenGolden State Warriors ArchiveHouston Rockets ArchiveJimmy ButlerStephen Curry
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ByEddie Bitar
Eddie Bitar is a senior staff writer for Fadeaway World from Denver, Colorado. Since joining the team in 2017, Eddie has applied his academic background in economics and finance to enhance his sports journalism. Graduating with a Bachelor's degree from and later a Master's degree in Finance from Utrecht in 2018, he integrates statistical analysis into his articles. This unique approach provides readers with a deeper understanding of basketball through the lens of financial and economic concepts.Eddie's work has not only been a staple at Fadeaway World but has also been featured in prominent publications such as Sports Illustrated. His ability to break down complex data and present it in an accessible way creates an engaging and informative way to visualize both individual and team statistics. From finding the top 3 point shooters of every NBA franchise to ranking players by cost per point, Eddie is constantly finding new angles to use historical data that other NBA analysts may be overlooking.A lifelong basketball fan, Eddie grew up trying to mimic Jason Kidd's game. When asked which NBA player, past or present, he would most like to interview, Eddie's choice is clear: Jason Kidd. He admires Kidd's genius at playing point guard and his ability to lead a team to two NBA Finals appearances. Eddie believes Kidd is an underrated star who deserves more praise, and he would relish the opportunity to pick his brain and discuss the intricacies of the game.
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