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The Golden State Warriors faced an uphill battle on Wednesday night at Toyota Center, falling 115-108 to the Houston Rockets after Stephen Curry was forced out of the game in the first quarter. Curry, who had played just six minutes, was ruled out for the remainder of the contest. He did manage to hit one three-pointer before exiting, extending his streak of games with at least one made three to 102.
Despite trailing by as many as 17 points in the first half, the Warriors clawed their way back and cut the deficit to 88-85 in the fourth quarter. However, the Rockets seized control from that point and held on for the win. Here are three key observations from Wednesday's game.
Lendeborg Seizes Opportunity
With Curry sidelined, the Warriors needed someone to create offense, and Yaxel Lendeborg answered the call. He scored 25 points on 9-of-19 shooting, consistently making the right passes even though he finished with zero assists—several of his dishes led to open looks that teammates missed. Golden State's offense will undoubtedly suffer if Curry misses more time, but Lendeborg's performance offers a glimmer of hope that the team can stay competitive.
Cryer Makes Most of Increased Role
LJ Cryer is poised for more playing time, and he looked ready for it on Wednesday. He contributed 13 points on 4-of-9 shooting, one assist, and a plus-18 rating in 18 minutes. Perhaps most impressively, he committed zero turnovers. Cryer's shooting ability could make him a viable NBA rotation player, but questions remain about his ball-handling and decision-making under pressure. His ability to protect the ball will be tested throughout the remainder of this five-game road trip.
Warriors' Depth Tested
Golden State entered the week already without Jimmy Butler (knee), Moses Moody (knee), and Kristaps Porzingis (health issue), all of whom are out indefinitely. The team then lost Brandon Williams to a hamstring injury that will sideline him for a week. Will Richard is playing through a UCL injury, Gui Santos is dealing with knee tendinitis, and Gary Payton II missed his second straight game on Wednesday due to knee inflammation. Now Curry's status is uncertain. The Warriors may need to explore the trade market for reinforcements; previously mentioned ideas include acquiring Jalen Smith and Isaac Okoro from the Bulls, or Wendell Carter Jr. and Jamal Cain from the Magic. If Curry's prognosis is favorable, the team might hold off on a Porzingis trade, but the roster is thinning quickly.