Stephen Curry delivered a stellar performance, scoring a game-high 31 points, while Jimmy Butler III added 25 points as the Golden State Warriors defeated the Houston Rockets 95-85 on Sunday in Game 1 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series. Curry bounced back impressively from a previous lackluster performance against the Rockets, where he had scored just three points. He shot 12-for-19 from the field, including hitting five three-pointers, and grabbed six rebounds.
Butler complemented Curry’s efforts with a solid all-around game, contributing seven rebounds and six assists. The Warriors were able to secure a crucial 1-0 series lead, with Game 2 scheduled for Wednesday in Houston.
Despite being down by as much as 23 points in the game, the Rockets mounted a rally, narrowing the Warriors’ lead to just three points at one point. Amen Thompson’s floater pulled the Rockets within reach at 76-73 with just under seven minutes remaining. However, Curry responded with a timely three-pointer to extend the lead back to 82-75, while Butler and Brandin Podziemski scored key points down the stretch to fend off the Rockets.
The Rockets struggled offensively, shooting only 39.1 percent from the field and committing 17 turnovers, which the Warriors converted into 25 points. Alperen Sengun led Houston with a strong outing, scoring 26 points and securing nine rebounds. However, support from other teammates was thin, as Jabari Smith Jr. was the only other player to reach double figures with 11 points.
Curry’s bounce-back game reflects his resilience and leadership, qualities that are vital for the Warriors as they navigate the playoff landscape. The Rockets, while showing potential with players like Sengun and Thompson, will need to address their offensive inefficiencies and turnovers to level the series in the upcoming game.
Fans of both teams can look forward to an exciting continuation of the series, as both sides work to refine their strategies and elevate their performance on the playoff stage. The focus will be on whether the Rockets can harness their early energy and if the Warriors can maintain their momentum.
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