Jonathan Kuminga scores career-high 33 points, Warriors beat Rockets 99-93 to end 5-game skid
SAN FRANCISCO– Jonathan Kuminga scored a career-high 33 points and made two crucial layups in the final 1:04, and the Golden State Warriors ended a five-game losing streak by beating the Houston Rockets 99-93 Thursday evening.
Andrew Wiggins added 23 points and Brandin Podziemski grabbed 12 rebounds for the Warriors in the opener of a back-to-back at home.
Golden State was missing starters Stephen Curry and Draymond Green due to injuries – Curry coming off to deal with sore knees and Green nursing strain in his left calf. Both are expected to return Friday.
Wiggins was suspect with right ankle impingement.
Alperen Sengun had 16 points and eight rebounds to lead Houston.
Warriors nemesis Dillon Brooks started 1 of 6 and missed his first four 3-point attempts before finishing with 15 points.
Rockets: The NBA fined Rockets coach Ime Udoka and Sengun for their actions leading to ejections. a 120-111 defeat in Sacramento Tuesday night, and forward Tari Eason for an interaction with a fan after the game. Udoka was fined $50,000 for confronting and making rude remarks to a match official, failing to leave the field on time after being sent off, and publicly criticizing the referee during his conference post-match press conference.
Warriors: Kevon Looney earned his second start of the season and had 11 rebounds.
Wiggins hit a 3 and was fouled for a four-point play that tied the game at 40 with 3:29 left before halftime, then converted another four-point play with 12, 2 seconds left in the half as the Warriors took a 49-43 lead. in the break.
The Warriors held strong in the low post against Steven Adams, scoring 52 points in the paint and outscoring the Rockets 54-45.
Houston visits the Clippers on Sunday, while the Warriors host the Timberwolves on Friday and again on Sunday.
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