In a thrilling first-round playoff series opener on Sunday, the Golden State Warriors faced off against the Houston Rockets, with Golden State emerging victorious by a score of 95-85. This matchup was highly anticipated, especially after the Rockets had held superstar Steph Curry to just three points in their previous encounter on April 6. The question on everyone’s mind was whether the Rockets had truly unlocked the secret to containing the NBA's greatest shooter. However, the answer was a definitive "no," as Curry showcased his scoring prowess and led the Warriors to a crucial win, stealing home court advantage from Houston.
Despite facing intense pressure from Rockets players like Amen Thompson, Curry turned the tables in the rematch, scoring an impressive 31 points. His performance included a mix of back-cuts, soft floaters, and five high-arcing three-pointers, one of which was a spectacular fadeaway from the corner that left fans in awe. After the game, Curry reflected on his strategy, saying, “I started getting to the basket, taking on their pressure and taking it on from there.” This marked his 59th postseason game scoring at least 30 points, underscoring his reputation as a clutch player.
Even with Curry’s heroics, the Warriors did not pull away easily. It was Jimmy Butler who made a significant impact in the final minutes, scoring seven of his 25 points during the last two minutes of the game. Butler’s late-game performance was crucial in sealing the victory for Golden State, helping the team improve to 22-5 in Game 1s under head coach Steve Kerr. “I love the organized chaos because nobody knows what to expect, not even myself, not even coach,” Butler said, reflecting on the dynamic of playing alongside Curry.
The Rockets employed a tight man-to-man defense strategy against the Warriors’ top scorers, with big men Alperen Sengun and Steven Adams stationed in the paint, daring Golden State’s shooters to make their shots. Early in the game, the Warriors struggled offensively, falling behind 19-12 before Curry began to find weaknesses in Houston’s defense. He scored two late layups in the first quarter to help close the gap to 21-18.
The second quarter saw both teams exchanging leads, but Curry’s two late three-pointers and a tough basket from Butler contributed to a 9-0 run that put the Warriors ahead 47-34 at halftime. Golden State stretched its lead to as much as 23 points in the third quarter. However, the Rockets refused to back down. A 7-0 run, punctuated by a clutch three-pointer from Sengun, kept Houston in contention.
The game highlighted Houston's tenacity, particularly in rebounding, as they managed to grab 22 offensive rebounds compared to Golden State’s six. These second-chance opportunities allowed the Rockets to stay competitive, cutting the Warriors’ lead down to 69-60 by the end of the third quarter. Curry responded early in the fourth with another deep three-pointer, but Houston continued to fight back.
As the game progressed, the Rockets narrowed the gap to just four points, but Golden State responded with an 8-2 run to regain control. The final minutes showcased the grit and determination of both teams, with Curry and Butler leading the charge for the Warriors. Ultimately, Golden State's victory not only marked a significant win in the series but also celebrated Kerr's milestone of 100 playoff wins as head coach.
The Warriors will look to build on their momentum as they prepare for Game 2 of the series, set to take place on Wednesday night. With the stakes high and both teams showcasing their strengths, fans can expect another electrifying matchup in this ongoing playoff battle.
