Without Stephen Curry, the Golden State Warriors fell to the Oklahoma City Thunder 101-105, marking their third consecutive loss. Despite nearly overcoming a 19-point deficit, the Warriors couldn’t complete the comeback. This is their first three-game losing streak since December 30, 2023.
Following the loss to the Thunder, the Warriors not only gave up the top spot in the Western Conference but dropped to third place with a 12-6 record. Meanwhile, the Thunder claimed their third consecutive win and now sit atop the West with a 14-4 record, leading the Warriors by two games.
Rockets Surge to Second Place
The Houston Rockets have also overtaken the Warriors in the standings. After two overtime wins against the Timberwolves and 76ers, the Rockets improved to 14-6, climbing to second place in the West and leading the Warriors by one game.
Lakers and the Tight Western Race
The Los Angeles Lakers briefly held a top-three spot but dropped after their own three-game losing streak. However, their victory over the Spurs keeps them at 11-7, currently fifth in the West. The competition is fierce, as the Lakers are only slightly ahead of the teams below them.
Similarly, the Warriors’ slide to third place puts them in a precarious position, leading the sixth-place Clippers by just one game. Another loss could see them drop further down the standings.
Thunder and Rockets: Rebuilding Success Stories
What’s surprising is the dominance of two young teams, the Thunder and Rockets, now sitting first and second in the West. Just a few seasons ago, both teams were in rebuilding phases after losing star players—Russell Westbrook for the Thunder and James Harden for the Rockets.
Over the past few years, both franchises have accumulated high draft picks and developed competitive rosters. Their rebuilding efforts are now paying off, as they’ve become serious contenders in the Western Conference.
What’s Next for the Thunder and Rockets?
While the Thunder and Rockets have rebuilt successfully, staying competitive in the West requires continued growth. For the Thunder, their core players have already proven their potential. For the Rockets, the focus is on maintaining consistency and maximizing the potential of their young stars.
The future of both teams depends on how high their core players can elevate their games. If they continue to improve, the Thunder and Rockets could remain among the top teams in the West for years to come.
For more sports updates, visit Daily Newspapers.
