The Golden State Warriors were looking for their 10th win of their season Sunday night, and Monta Ellis was determined to ensure that happend against the Houston Rockets at Oracle Arena. And behind a brilliant 33 point performance from No. 8 the W's won there second game in a row, ending the Rockets current win streak by the score of 106-97.
The Warriors limited the turnovers in the second half tonight, while maintaining a solid stream of steady offense and sturdy defense, keeping a dangerous Houston team on the ropes for most of the game, and made sure to knock them out in the fourth quarter instead of letting them back into the game.
Monta's 33 points came along with seven assists, five rebounds, two steals and even a block, while David Lee had another double-double with 15 points and 13 rebounds. Both men played 40-plus minutes as well, with the Phoenix Suns coming to town on Monday.
Stephen Curry added 14 on 5-14 shooting from the floor, while Klay Thompson added 14 off the bench, and Brandon Rush 10 on 2-2 from downtown. In fact, the W's were 13-24 form three point land Sunday (54%). Ekpe Udoh was also a major factor tonight, scoring all seven of his points in the fourth quarter along with six rebounds and a team high +17 in the +/-.
Kevin Martin led the way for the Rockets ith 28 points and six rebounds, and Luis Scola's 14 ponts and 11 rebounds. Houston was 13-4 in the last 17 games coming into this matchup. They continue their longest road trip of the season in Memphis to face the Grizzlies on Tuesday.
The Warriors have now won four of their last six and are definitely playing their best basketball of the year. Maybe Coach Jackson has finally figured it out.
For more on the Warriors, head over to Golden State of Mind.