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Warriors guard Pat Spencer, right, grabs a rebound over Rockets center Clint Capela, left, during the first half of Thursday's game in Houston. (Eric Christian Smith/Associated Press)
HOUSTON - The undermanned Golden State Warriors wouldn't be denied an overtime victory Thursday night at Toyota Center against their longtime playoff rivals.
That without Stephen Curry, Kristaps Porzingis, Moses Moody, Will Richard and Gary Payton II (in addition to Jimmy Butler) against the healthier, bigger Rockets, who entered their matchup third in the Western Conference standings.
As a result, Golden State (32-30) maintains its clutch on the No. 8 seed over the Los Angeles Clippers by 1½ games.
Podziemski paired a team-high 26 points (including seven in overtime) with nine rebounds as De'Anthony Melton added 23 points and a putback with 5.3 seconds to play. Al Horford added 17 points - including a jump hook in the final minute - six rebounds and five assists.
Reed Sheppard scored a game-high 30 points for the Rockets, who got 22 points (on 8-of-16 shooting in 41 minutes) from Kevin Durant opposite stellar defense from Draymond Green. Durant was fouled while attempting a 3-pointer with Houston down three in the final minute, but missed the third free throw - preceding Melton's putback layup.
The Warriors, with 10 players available, hustled and competed their way to 51-47 halftime lead powered in part by a 30-20 cushion after the opening 12 minutes. Melton attacked for 10 first-quarter points, beating the Rockets off the bounce as Golden State cut off driving lanes and forced jumpers they willingly conceded.
Its second-quarter offense stalled a bit amid struggles to beat Houston off the dribble as Sheppard found a scoring rhythm. Golden State broke a 45-45 tie with a 6-2 run to close the half with Santos converting a banking floater right before the buzzer sounded.
The lead didn't last as the Rockets (38-23) cracked the Warriors for 70% third-quarter shooting, winning it 35-30. Thompson attacked for nine third-quarter points to counter a 10-point quarter from Podziemski - following a go-ahead triple with a dunk.
A tense fourth quarter was devoid of separation and chock full of low-post scores from Alperen Sengun that Melton and Horford countered with clutch 3-pointers. Durant blocked Melton's shot in the closing seconds - on a play that was whistled a foul and overturned via challenge - and Golden State controlled the jump ball, but its out-of-bounds action was blown up by Houston.
A lob to Thompson at the buzzer went awry, leading to bonus basketball.
Golden State's three-game trip continues Saturday against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
This article originally published at Brandin Podziemski's OT spree helps undermanned Warriors top Rockets.
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