The James Harden-less Houston Rockets put up a strong fight in their heavyweight Western Conference clash with the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night but eventually fell short against the defending champions.The Dubs, despite being without Kevin Durant, still had too much firepower for the hosts as Stephen Curry dropped 29 points and his Splash Brother Klay Thompson added 28.Draymond Green also helped himself to a triple-double with 17 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists on the night.In Harden's absence, point guard Chris Paul had to take on the extra load for the Rockets and produced a strong display as he ended the game with 28 points on 10-of-21 shooting, along with seven rebounds, and nine assists.The veteran helped to keep Houston in the game for much of the contest but he and his supporting cast were powerless to stop the Warriors from running away with it late in the fourth quarter with some big shots.The night may have ended on a sour note for CP3 but he certainly put on a show for the fans inside Toyota Center with a dazzling array of ball-handling skills.This move on Patrick McCaw was a thing of beauty as he made his way to the rim:

He also produced arguably the play of the night as he embarrassed Golden State big man David West in the fourth quarter.

West found himself switched onto Paul and it didn't end so well as the Rockets superstar sent him to the floor with a devastating crossover before sinking an easy jump shot.

To add to the humiliation for the Warriors power forward, he injured his ankle on the play and hobbled up the court before eventually leaving the game.

He has been diagnosed with a sprained ankle and is doubtful for their trip to face the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday.

Paul showed no mercy, even though the pair were former teammates with the New Orleans Hornets earlier in his career.

But the 32-year-old is certainly not one for reveling in highlight plays, especially if it doesn't result in a win.

The Rockets have found themselves in a bit of a slump recently having lost six of their last eight games.

They will have to continue without Harden for at least two weeks after he suffered a hamstring injury in a double-overtime victory over the Los Angeles Lakers earlier in the week.

A huge positive for the franchise has been the production of Gerald Green since he joined the team last week.

The high-flying guard poured in 27 points in a win over the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night and followed it up with 29 against the Warriors.

As a result, Houston has offered him a contract until the end of the season. They will certainly hope he can keep up his hot streak with their leading scorer on the sidelines.