Warriors have no answer for James Harden in OT loss to Rockets

Over the past week, as the Warriors finally began to resemble the prohibitive championship favorites, their critics leaned on a singular retort: But can you do it against a contender? Though the Rockets have yet to prove that they can repeat last season's heroics and pose a serious threat to Golden State, they are as viable an option as anyone in a crowded Western Conference. In their 135-134 overtime loss Thursday night to Houston at Oracle Arena, the Warriors showed resolve, only to fall victim to reigning NBA MVP James Harden's brilliance. It was the type of emotional, back-and-forth affair typically found in May or June, not early January. But these two teams have some history.