The Golden State Warriors kicked off their playoff run with a solid 95-85 victory over the Houston Rockets in Game 1 of their Western Conference first-round series. Stephen Curry led the way for the Warriors, scoring 31 points, while Jimmy Butler III contributed 25 points, helping the team secure a 1-0 series lead.
Curry had a rough outing against the Rockets just a couple of weeks prior, scoring only three points in a home loss. However, he bounced back impressively in this game, hitting 12 of his 19 shots and making five three-pointers. He also grabbed six rebounds. Butler supported him well, adding seven rebounds and six assists to his performance.
The game was competitive, especially in the second half. The Rockets managed to cut a 23-point deficit down to just three points, making it 76-73 with just under seven minutes left. But Curry quickly responded, sinking a three-pointer to push the lead back to 82-75. Butler and Brandin Podziemski, who finished with 14 points, helped maintain the Warriors’ lead in the closing minutes.
The Rockets struggled offensively, shooting only 39.1% from the field and committing 17 turnovers, which the Warriors turned into 25 points. Alperen Sengun stood out for Houston, scoring 26 points and grabbing nine rebounds. Jabari Smith Jr. was the only other Rocket to reach double figures, finishing with 11 points.
Houston started strong, with Sengun scoring eight points and grabbing six rebounds in the first quarter. They led 19-12 at one point, but Curry’s quick scoring helped the Warriors close the gap. Butler gave Golden State its first lead with a free throw early in the second quarter, and they eventually built a double-digit lead with an 11-0 run.
The Rockets tried to fight back but ended the half trailing 47-34 after a rough second quarter where they missed their last five shots and committed two turnovers.
Game 2 of the series is set for Wednesday in Houston, where the Rockets will look to even the series. In other playoff action, the Oklahoma City Thunder made headlines with a record-setting 131-80 win over the Memphis Grizzlies, while the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers also secured wins in their respective games.