Rockets rout Warriors in Green’s return

HOUSTON — Kevin Durant and Draymond Green may have improved their on-court chemistry. If only the Warriors could say the same thing about themselves.

The Warriors finished with a 107-86 loss to the Houston Rockets on Thursday, a sharp contrast from the breathless performance the Warriors offered here six months ago here in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals.

The Warriors suddenly became a plodding offense. They logged nearly as many assists (18) as turnovers (16). They went 4-for-18 from 3-point range after shooting 42 percent this season. And even if Durant and Green showed moments of some reconciliation, neither player offered the best version of themselves.

Durant had 20 points while making more free-throws (8 of 8) than field goals (6 of 15) along with five rebounds, two assists and two turnovers. Green went scoreless and missed all three shot attempts, along with posting five rebounds, five assists and one steal. Warriors coach Steve Kerr played Green only 24 minutes because of a minutes restriction stemmed from feeling soreness from a right foot injury that kept him out last week for two games.

Obvious disclaimer: Stephen Curry missed his fourth consecutive game because of soreness in his left groin. But does that fully excuse the Warriors (12-4) for losing three of their past five games? Or Warriors guard Klay Thompson finishing with 10 points while shooting 5-for-16 from the field and 0-for-5 from 3-point range? Or the Warriors allowing the Rockets opening the fourth quarter with a 21-2 run? Or the Warriors’ starters not making a 3-pointer for the first time since a loss to the Chicago Bulls on March, 15, 2013?

The Rockets (7-7) only shot 40.2 percent (35-for-87) from the field, but featured James Harden (27 points), James Ennis III (19), Eric Gordon (17), Chris Paul (10) and Clint Capela (10) posting double digits.