Houston, TX – In a thrilling Game 1 of the first-round playoff series, the Golden State Warriors secured a 95-85 victory over the Houston Rockets on Sunday night. Draymond Green emphasized the importance of Steph Curry’s greatness in securing the win, as Curry’s impressive performance led the Warriors to success. With 31 points, Curry showcased his skill by hitting 12 of 19 shots, including 5 of 9 3-pointers, leaving his teammates and fans in awe.
Joining the Warriors via trade from Miami in February, Jimmy Butler made a significant impact in his playoff debut, contributing 25 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and five steals. Coach Steve Kerr commended Curry and Butler for their offensive prowess that ultimately carried the team to victory. Despite Houston cutting the lead to just four points in the closing minutes, Curry’s clutch 3-pointer and Moses Moody’s 3-pointer propelled the Warriors to a commanding lead of 91-80.
Despite facing a challenge on the offensive boards, with Houston holding a 22-6 advantage, the Warriors managed to secure the win. Green acknowledged that there is room for improvement, noting that the team can play better. Kerr celebrated his 100th career playoff coaching victory, tying with Larry Brown for sixth-most playoff wins, attributing the success to the players’ resilience and talent on the court.
The Rockets, making their first playoff appearance since 2020, relied on Alperen Sengun’s strong performance with 26 points in his postseason debut. However, struggles from VanVleet and Jalen Green hindered the team’s efficiency, with just 7 of 34 shots made. VanVleet recognized the team’s failure to execute effectively and highlighted the need to address issues of physicality and shooting accuracy for future games.
Looking ahead to Game 2 in Houston on Wednesday night, the Warriors remain focused on maintaining their composure and experience in the playoffs. Curry emphasized the difference in facing the new-look Rockets, acknowledging the importance of playoff experience in navigating challenging moments during the game. With the series set to continue, both teams are gearing up for intense matchups as they strive for a spot in the next round of the playoffs.