HOUSTON -- Staring a two-game losing streak and a season sweep to the Rockets in the face, the Warriors churned out one of their best performances of the season, winning 106-104 on Wednesday night.
Without Kevin Durant, Golden State relied on the scoring of Klay Thompson, Stephen Curry, DeMarcus Cousins and a stout defense.
The Rockets struggled from beyond the arc all night, shooting 26 percent from 3-point range.
With the victory, Golden State starts off a tough four-game road trip on a good note.
Here are the three takeaways from Wednesday's Warriors win at Toyota Center.
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Boogie's night
With Durant out, the Warriors needed an extra punch, which Cousins more than provided. In 32 minutes, he scored a season-high 27 points, adding eight rebounds and seven assists.
More importantly, against a pick-and-roll-heavy Rockets offense, Cousins was disciplined when switched onto James Harden and Chris Paul. During the first quarter, Boogie routinely contested shots without fouling, and even drew a charge on Harden.
This season, it's seemed like Cousins is more comfortable on the road. Entering Wednesday, Boogie is averaging 18.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 3.6 assists in 10 road games, compared to just 12 points on 36 percent at home.
Klay continues to roll
Entering Wednesday night, Thompson had been averaging 30 points on 52 percent shooting from the field, including 44.8 percent from 3-point range over his last five starts.
Against the Rockets, it was more of the same as he poured in 30 points on 12-of-23 shooting, including two 3-pointers early in the second half to help Golden State fend off a Rockets' run.
With the bench struggling this season and Durant out, Thompson's production will be more than welcomed by the Warriors going forward.
Andre Iguodala starts
Warriors coach Steve Kerr elected for a veteran presence to fill in for Durant in the starting lineup over youthful options such as Damion Lee or Alfonzo McKinnie.
The decision played out well, as Iguodala finished with five points, four rebounds and four assists in 25 minutes.
