Although oddsmakers see the Golden State Warriors as the underdog against the Houston Rockets in Wednesday's NBA Cup contest, history suggests the Stephen Curry-led team is the alpha of the matchup. In addition to becoming a potentially entertaining game, the Warriors-Rockets matchup presents historical implications.
Houston hosts Golden State in the Toyota Center as the third seed of the Western Conference, thanks to its 16-8 record. Yet, despite the oddsmakers favoring the Rockets by three points, the Warriors have history on their side.
The Warriors won 15 consecutive games against the Rockets, dating back to 2020. Coincidentally, the only team with a higher winning streak over the same team is the New York Knicks, with 16 consecutive wins over the Detroit Pistons. Moreover, it's convenient for the Warriors that such a streak for the Knicks ended on Saturday, as they lost to the Pistons 120-111.
If the Warriors beat the Rockets on Wednesday, they'll tie the Knicks for the most dominant stretch over one franchise.
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Given the Warriors' recent 99-93 victory over the Rockets, one of which occurred without Curry and Draymond Green in the lineup, such an unexpected win alludes to a possible upset during the NBA Cup quarterfinal.
The two franchises' link lasts nine years, dating back to James Harden's superstar run with the Rockets. Meanwhile, Kevin Durant won multiple NBA Finals MVP awards with the Warriors, telling the story of one of the most lopsided rivalries in the NBA's history.
With a Rockets loss on Wednesday, the Warriors will solidify themselves as the Texas franchise's official bully.
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This story was originally published December 11, 2024, 6:41 PM.