Golden State Warriors lose further ground on Houston Rockets

The Golden State Warriors slipped seven games behind the Houston Rockets in the NBA’s Western Conference on Thursday night.

While the Warriors were losing 126-106 to the Indiana Pacers, the Rockets were beating the Portland Trail Blazers 96-94.

Chris Paul scored 27 points for the Rockets, who started strongly and narrowly held on after leading by 22 points at the game’s midway mark.

Kevin Durant matched that mark for the Warriors – but they were second best throughout to the Pacers, for whom Bojan Bogdanovic poured in 28.

LeBron James starred with 33 points as the Cleveland Cavaliers came from behind against the Washington Wizards, winning the fourth quarter 37-25 for a 119-115 success.

Elsewhere, the Denver Nuggets defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 100-96, the Brooklyn Nets downed the Milwaukee Bucks 119-111 and the Utah Jazz saw off the LA Clippers 117-95.