Mon Apr 21 04:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Curry Leads Warriors to Game 1 Victory Over Rockets in Playoff Opener
**HOUSTON —** Stephen Curry’s 31-point performance powered the Golden State Warriors to a 95-85 victory over the Houston Rockets in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series Sunday night. While the Warriors built a commanding 23-point lead, the Rockets mounted a late comeback attempt, but ultimately fell short.
Curry’s impressive shooting, including five 3-pointers and several highlight-reel plays, proved crucial in securing the win. Jimmy Butler, in his playoff debut for Golden State, also contributed significantly with 25 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and five steals.
Despite the victory, Warriors coach Steve Kerr and Draymond Green both acknowledged their team’s subpar performance, particularly on the boards where Houston dominated 22-6. Green emphasized Curry’s importance, stating, “In order for us to win basketball games it requires Steph Curry to be great, and he was just that.”
The Rockets, making their playoff return after a three-year absence, received a strong performance from Alperen Sengun (26 points) in his postseason debut. However, key players Fred VanVleet and Jalen Green struggled offensively, combining for a poor shooting night. VanVleet attributed the loss to poor execution, not entirely blaming physicality.
The series shifts to Game 2 on Wednesday night in Houston, with the Warriors aiming to build on their hard-fought win and the Rockets hoping to improve their offensive efficiency. This marks the Warriors’ latest playoff victory over the Rockets, though Curry noted this Rockets team is vastly different from those they faced in previous playoff battles between 2015 and 2019. The win also marked Steve Kerr’s 100th career playoff coaching victory, tying him with Larry Brown for sixth-most all-time.
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