Only two teams have had an answer to the scoring attack the Golden State Warriors as they sit at 18-2 on the season. The team continues to dominate while on a 13-game win streak which is the longest in franchise history. However, that streak will be put to the test on Wednesday as the Houston Rockets have the pieces in place to beat the Warriors. They could not match them the first time, but a healthy Patrick Beverley should help the effort.
The Rockets are the only loss Golden State suffered in their past eight home games. Houston's 8-1 road record is a testament to that. The last time these two teams played, the Rockets did not have Dwight Howard, Beverley or Terrence Jones. They lost 98-87 as Stephen Curry shot 13 of 19 for 34 points. However, this time around Beverley is back as the team's best perimeter defender and will stayed glued to Curry's side. Last season, he held the sharp shooter to 14 turnovers on 10-of-26 shooting.
While the Warriors are known for the offense, especially their efficiency from long range, the Rockets are no slouch when it comes to scoring. The Rockets have made a league-high 240 3-pointers this season. That is 50 more than the Warriors. However, defense is making the difference. The Warriors have held opponents to just 45.0 percent shooting. Houston ranks below them at 42.6 percent. The Rockets struggled on defense in the two team's first battle. Andrew Bogut grabbed 18 rebounds while the Warriors contained James Harden to just 8 for 24 shooting. Bogut's status is in doubt on Wednesday after he left the win against the Minnesota Timberwolves with knee tendonitis.
The Rockets will try and take advantage of a quiet Curry. The guard is just 2 for 12 from beyond the arc in the past two games while averaging just 19.4 points in his last five games. The Warriors are still winning regardless.
