In a thrilling opening game of the Western Conference playoff series, the Golden State Warriors achieved a significant 95-85 victory against the third-seeded Houston Rockets on Sunday. This performance not only secured them a crucial home court advantage but also featured standout performances from star players Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler III.
Curry led the Warriors with a game-high 31 points, demonstrating his exceptional offensive capabilities, particularly after a challenging previous outing against the Rockets. Shooting an impressive 12-of-19 from the field, he also contributed six rebounds and showcased his three-point shooting prowess by making five long-range shots. Butler supported his teammate with 25 points, seven rebounds, and six assists, solidifying a well-rounded performance from the Golden State squad as they took a 1-0 lead in the series.
Houston attempted to mount a comeback after trailing by as much as 23 points. With 6:49 remaining in the game, Amen Thompson’s floater cut the Warriors’ lead to just three points at 76-73. However, Curry quickly responded by hitting a critical three-pointer to re-establish a more comfortable lead for Golden State. Brandin Podziemski, adding 14 points along with eight rebounds and five assists, played an essential role in helping the Warriors maintain their advantage during the tense final minutes.
Despite a strong start, the Rockets struggled with shooting efficiency, finishing the game at 39.1 percent and committing 17 turnovers that led to 25 points for the Warriors. Alperen Sengun stood out for Houston, scoring 26 points and securing nine rebounds, although he received limited offensive support, with Jabari Smith Jr. contributing a modest 11 points.
In the opening stages of the game, Houston led 19-12, buoyed by Sengun’s early performance. However, Curry’s leadership began to shift the momentum. By the start of the second quarter, the Warriors had taken the lead for the first time, and an 11-0 run allowed them to gain a substantial advantage shortly before halftime. The Rockets entered the break trailing 47-34 after a disappointing second quarter, where they shot just 6-of-18.
On the same day, other first-round playoff matchups saw the Oklahoma City Thunder achieving a record-setting 131-80 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies, while in the Eastern Conference, the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers also secured wins against their respective opponents, the Orlando Magic and Miami Heat.
As the playoffs continue, the Warriors will aim to build on their solid start when they face the Rockets again in Game 2 on Wednesday. The Western Conference series is poised for exciting developments as teams vie for playoff advancement.
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