"Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler power the Warriors to a Game 1 playoff victory over the Rockets."

The Golden State Warriors pulled off a stunning upset in Game 1 of their Western Conference playoff series, defeating the third-seeded Houston Rockets on their home court. With a mix of veteran leadership and clutch shooting, the Warriors overcame the odds to seize control early in the series. Golden State’s defense held strong in key moments, while offensive bursts from stars like Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler helped them edge past the Rockets in a tightly contested matchup. By stealing home court advantage, the Warriors have shifted the momentum, putting added pressure on Houston heading into the crucial Game 2.

Stephen Curry bounced back in spectacular fashion, scoring a game-high 31 points to lead the Golden State Warriors to a 95-85 victory over the Houston Rockets in Game 1 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series. After struggling in a previous matchup against Houston—shooting just 1-for-10 and scoring only three points—Curry was electric on Sunday, going 12-of-19 from the field, hitting five three-pointers, and pulling down six rebounds. Jimmy Butler III added 25 points, along with seven rebounds and six assists, helping the Warriors take a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 is scheduled for Wednesday, again in Houston.

The Golden State Warriors weathered a late surge from the Houston Rockets to secure a gritty 95-85 win in Game 1 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series. After leading by as many as 23 points, the Warriors saw their advantage nearly slip away as the Rockets mounted a furious comeback in the fourth quarter.

Houston trimmed the deficit to just three points, 76-73, after Amen Thompson sank a floater with 6:49 left on the clock. The momentum seemed to be shifting, and the Toyota Center crowd erupted with hope. But Stephen Curry, who had been lights-out all night, silenced the rally just over a minute later. With 5:11 remaining, Curry drilled a deep three-pointer to extend the Warriors’ lead to 82-75, providing a crucial cushion in the closing stretch.

From there, the Warriors regained their composure and tightened their defense. Jimmy Butler III and rookie guard Brandin Podziemski stepped up in key moments to fend off any remaining threat from the Rockets. Butler, who finished with 25 points, was steady on both ends of the floor and contributed seven rebounds and six assists. Podziemski added 14 points, eight rebounds, and five assists in a strong all-around performance, showcasing maturity beyond his years in his playoff debut.

Golden State’s ability to convert defense into offense was a defining factor in the game. The Rockets struggled with ball security throughout the night, committing 17 turnovers that led to 25 points for the Warriors. Golden State’s aggressive on-ball pressure and fast-paced transition play punished Houston for every mistake.

Houston, meanwhile, shot just 39.1 percent from the field and lacked consistent offensive rhythm for most of the night. Alperen Sengun carried much of the scoring load for the Rockets, finishing with 26 points and nine rebounds in an otherwise tough outing for the home team. Sengun worked tirelessly in the paint and provided some much-needed energy, but he received limited support from his teammates.

Jabari Smith Jr. was the first Rocket outside of Sengun to reach double figures, hitting a corner three-pointer with 7:34 remaining to bring his total to 11 points. That shot briefly breathed life into the Rockets’ rally, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the deficit.

Despite Houston's late push, Golden State’s poise under pressure made the difference. Curry’s shooting efficiency—going 12-for-19 from the field and 5-for-10 from beyond the arc—was a stark contrast to his April 6 performance, where he managed only three points on 1-for-10 shooting. His leadership and clutch shot-making were key in helping the Warriors steal home court advantage.

With the series now shifting toward a pivotal Game 2, also set in Houston on Wednesday, the Warriors have momentum on their side. The Rockets will need to regroup quickly and address their offensive inconsistencies and turnover issues if they hope to even the series before heading to San Francisco.