Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler Lead Warriors Past Rockets in Game 1

Warriors Secure Game 1 Victory Behind Curry and Butler

The Golden State Warriors opened their first-round Western Conference playoff series with a gritty 95-85 win over the Houston Rockets, reclaiming homecourt advantage. Powered by Steph Curry’s 31 points and Jimmy Butler’s late-game heroics, the Warriors overcame Houston’s physical defense and rebounding dominance to take a 1-0 series lead.

Curry Responds to Defensive Challenge

Heading into Sunday’s game, much was made about the Rockets’ ability to limit Curry to just three points in their April 6 matchup. However, the Warriors’ star guard quickly dispelled any doubts, delivering a 31-point performance that included five 3-pointers and several key plays. “I started getting to the basket, taking on their pressure,” Curry said after the game. “Obviously made some tough ones from the outside.”

Despite facing tight man-to-man defense from Houston’s young and athletic wings, including Amen Thompson, Curry found ways to exploit gaps in the Rockets’ defense. He used back-cuts, floaters, and high-arcing 3-pointers to keep Golden State in the game early and maintain their lead late.

Butler’s Late Surge Secures the Win

While Curry’s scoring set the tone, it was Jimmy Butler’s late-game contributions that sealed the victory. Butler scored seven of his 25 points in the final two minutes, helping the Warriors fend off a determined Houston comeback. “I love the organized chaos,” Butler said about playing alongside Curry. “Nobody knows what to expect, not even myself, not even coach.”

Defensive Battle Defines Game 1

The game was marked by physicality on both ends of the court. The Warriors’ defense, led by Draymond Green, held the Rockets to 39.1% shooting and just six 3-pointers on 29 attempts (20.7%). “I think, overall, we just flew around,” Green said. “We didn’t give up any easy looks. We followed our defensive gameplan.”

Houston’s defensive intensity also stood out, as they crowded the paint and forced Golden State into difficult shots early. However, the Rockets struggled offensively, with key players like Jalen Green and Fred VanVleet shooting a combined 7-of-34 from the field.

Rockets’ Rebounding Edge Keeps Them Close

Despite their shooting woes, the Rockets stayed competitive thanks to their dominance on the offensive boards. Houston grabbed 22 offensive rebounds compared to Golden State’s six, creating multiple second-chance opportunities. Steven Adams and Alperen Sengun were instrumental in this effort, with Sengun also leading the Rockets in scoring with 26 points.

However, the Warriors minimized Houston’s possession advantage by committing just 11 turnovers compared to the Rockets’ 16. “Our defense is big time, and we’re going to count on that,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said.

Key Moments and Turning Points

Golden State trailed 19-12 in the first quarter before Curry sparked a comeback, helping the Warriors close the period down 21-18. A 9-0 run to end the first half, fueled by Curry and Butler, gave Golden State a 47-34 halftime lead.

The Warriors extended their lead to 23 points in the third quarter, but Houston responded with a 7-0 run, cutting the deficit to nine by the end of the period. The Rockets continued to chip away in the fourth quarter, narrowing the gap to 76-73. However, a late 8-2 Warriors run, highlighted by Butler and Curry, ultimately secured the victory.

With the win, the Warriors improved to 22-5 in Game 1s under Kerr and now hold homecourt advantage. The series continues with Game 2 on Wednesday night, where Houston will look to adjust their offensive strategy and even the series.