Curry returns off bench; Rockets win 117-116
PUBLISHED Apr 5, 2026, 11:29 PM ET
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SAN FRANCISCO: Stephen Curry returned from a two-plus-month absence with a right knee issue and came off the bench Sunday night, playing about 26 minutes and scoring 29 points as the Golden State Warriors hosted the Houston Rockets at Chase Center. The Rockets secured a 117-116 victory when Alperen Şengün converted a go-ahead layup with 11 seconds left; Kevin Durant led Houston with 31 points, and Golden State faces short-term minutes-management decisions ahead of a compressed slate.
By Lauren Mitchell | JQJO News
Timeline of Events
- Jan. 30: Stephen Curry exits and begins extended absence due to right knee issues.
- Months of rehab and missed 27 consecutive Warriors games during Curry’s recovery.
- Same day as return: Warriors added or activated role players, including Charles Bassey.
- Sunday (return): Curry came off the bench, played ~26 minutes and scored 29 points.
- Sunday (finish): Alperen Şengün’s layup with 11 seconds left gave the Rockets a 117-116 win; Kevin Durant scored 31.
News Intelligence
- If you're a Warriors fan, Curry's return is a big deal. His scoring power can shift the team's dynamics. But, the Warriors' loss despite his comeback raises questions about the team's strategy. Keep an eye on how they manage player minutes in the coming games.
- Articles Published:
- 11
- Right Leaning:
- 1
- Left Leaning:
- 0
- Neutral:
- 10
- Distribution:
- Left 0%, Center 91%, Right 9%
The Houston Rockets and key players Kevin Durant and Alperen Şengün benefited when clutch plays and late execution produced a 117-116 victory over the Golden State Warriors during Stephen Curry's return.
The Golden State Warriors and their coaching staff suffered a one-point loss despite Stephen Curry’s 29-point return, exposing rotation, minutes-management and close-game execution issues.
Coverage of Story:
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Curry returns off bench; Rockets win 117-116
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