Mon Apr 21 05:19:59 UTC 2025: ## Warriors Steal Home Court Advantage, Upsetting Rockets in Playoff Opener
**Houston, TX** – The Golden State Warriors shocked the Houston Rockets, securing a 95-85 victory in Game 1 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series. Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 31 points, while Jimmy Butler III added 25 points, seven rebounds, and six assists, helping Golden State snatch a crucial 1-0 series lead.
The Warriors overcame a late Rockets surge, fueled by Alperen Sengun’s 26 points and nine rebounds. Houston cut a 23-point deficit to just three points in the fourth quarter, but Curry’s clutch three-pointer and strong performances from Butler and Brandin Podziemski (14 points, eight rebounds, five assists) sealed the win for the visitors.
Houston’s struggles extended beyond Sengun’s strong individual performance. Jalen Green and Fred VanVleet combined for a dismal 17 points on 7-of-34 shooting, while the team as a whole shot just 39.1 percent from the field and committed 17 turnovers.
The Warriors’ dominance was evident in the second and third quarters, where they built a substantial lead fueled by Curry’s hot shooting and effective teamwork. Despite a strong start from the Rockets, Golden State’s ability to capitalize on Houston’s mistakes proved decisive.
Game 2 is set for Wednesday in Houston, where the Rockets will aim to even the series. Meanwhile, the Warriors head home with a valuable road win and the momentum shifting firmly in their favor. The victory marks a significant upset, as the third-seeded Rockets had home court advantage going into the series.
Elsewhere in the NBA playoffs Sunday, the Oklahoma City Thunder routed the Memphis Grizzlies 131-80 in the most lopsided Game 1 victory in NBA playoff history. In the Eastern Conference, the Boston Celtics defeated the Orlando Magic 103-86, and the Cleveland Cavaliers topped the Miami Heat 121-100.
First Piper 