Rockets Fall to Warriors Amid Ongoing Play-In Tournament Race

The Houston Rockets' Play-In Tournament hopes took a major hit Thursday night amid a blowout loss to the Golden State Warriors.

HOUSTON -- The Houston Rockets' ongoing pursuit for the 10th and final spot for the NBA Play-In Tournament may have come to a disappointing end Thursday night. They extended their losing streak to three following a 133-110 loss to the Golden State Warriors, who recorded their sixth consecutive win. 

With the loss, the Rockets have fallen four games back of the Warriors for the 10th and final spot for the Western Conference Play-In Tournament. With seven games left, the Rockets would have to go 6-1 amid a massive collapse by Golden State.

The Rockets had no answer for Klay Thompson, who had one of his best shooting performances of the season.

He finished the game with 29 points on 11 of 15 shooting from the field, 7 of 11 from behind the arc. He scored 11 first-quarter points, which resulted in the Rockets trailing 33-24 entering the second period. A 10-point second quarter by Thompson led to the Rockets trailing the Warriors 65-50 at the half.

Apr 4, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) dribbles against

Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Jabari Smith Jr. led the Rockets on the night with a team-best 24 points on 8 of 17 shooting from the field. He was the only player the Rockets had who came close to matching the Warriors' production.

Jalen Green had a subpar shooting night going 4 of 12 from the field for 13 points. Fred VanVleet also struggled with 10 points on 2 of 7 shooting, 0 of 3 from behind the arc.

Cam Whitmore added 17 points off the bench. Coach Ime Udoka announced prior to the game that Whitmore will no longer be on a minutes restriction. The game marked Whitmore's third game back following his LCL injury sustained on March 10 against the Sacromento Kings. He was one of four players who scored in double figures for Houston.

The Warriors scored 34 points during the third period to take a 99-83 lead into the fourth quarter. Three players scored 20 or more points for Golden State in addition to Thompson. Stephen Curry finished with 29 points on 9 of 14 shooting, while Trayce Jackson-Davis added 20 points in the absence of Jonathan Kuminga.