Short-handed Warriors edge Rockets 115-113 in overtime thriller

Brandon Podziemski and De'Anthony Melton lead Golden State to victory over Houston

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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The Golden State Warriors, playing without several key players, defeated the Houston Rockets 115-113 in overtime on Thursday night. Brandon Podziemski scored 26 points and De'Anthony Melton added 23 for the Warriors, who held off a late Rockets rally to secure the victory.

Why it matters

This was an important win for the short-handed Warriors, who are fighting to maintain their position in the Western Conference playoff race. The Rockets, meanwhile, are struggling to find consistency this season and this close loss is another setback in their efforts to return to the postseason.

The details

With the game tied at 113 in overtime, the Warriors' Kevin Durant was fouled on a 3-point attempt and made the first two free throws before missing the third. Golden State got the rebound, and Melton made a tip-in layup with 5.3 seconds left to give the Warriors a 115-112 lead they would not relinquish.

  • The game was played on Thursday, March 6, 2026.

The players

Brandon Podziemski

A key player for the Golden State Warriors, scoring 26 points in the overtime victory.

De'Anthony Melton

Contributed 23 points for the Warriors, including the game-winning tip-in layup in overtime.

Kevin Durant

Made two free throws in overtime to help the Warriors maintain their lead late in the game.

Houston Rockets

The opposing team, who fought hard but ultimately fell short against the short-handed Warriors.

Golden State Warriors

The victorious team, who overcame the absence of several key players to secure the overtime win.

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What they’re saying

“This was a gutsy win for our team, especially with the injuries we've had to deal with. The guys really stepped up and made the plays we needed to get the victory.”

— Steve Kerr, Head Coach, Golden State Warriors (washingtonpost.com)

What’s next

The Warriors will look to build on this win as they continue their push for a playoff spot, while the Rockets will try to regroup and find a way to get back on track.

The takeaway

Despite being short-handed, the Warriors showed their resilience and ability to win close games, which could be a valuable asset as they navigate the remainder of the season and the playoffs.