Golden State Warriors vs. Houston Rockets Game 1 Recap

On Sunday night, the Golden State Warriors won on the road against the #2 seed Houston Rockets. The team was able to take and maintain a lead throughout the entire course of the game. Experience played a key factor as the Houston Rockets are one of the youngest franchises in the NBA.

Golden State Warriors Stats In Game 1

A major offensive component has been the addition of Jimmy Butler, who has massively improved the Golden State Warriors’ win/loss record. On Sunday night, Butler provided 25 points, seven boards, six assists, and five steals. Leading point guard and sharpshooter Stephen Curry took a while to get going but became unstoppable defending from the perimeter for the Houston Rockets defense.

Curry added 31 points on 5-9 shooting from the outside as a couple of high-arching shots fell in for the 37-year-old on Sunday night. Since  Draymond Green and Curry have the most experience and championship runs with the Golden State Warriors, both veterans know what it takes to win playoff basketball games.

Green talked about his teammate carrying the load as Curry got the hot hand as the game progressed, stating, “In order for us to win basketball games it requires Steph Curry to be great,” Green said. “And he was just that.”

As a result, the Warriors won the game by 10 points, winning 95-85. Within the last 10 seasons, fans of the game have seen clashes between players on both sides. It may not be considered a rivalry, with Golden State winning several series against the Houston Rockets. However, the series is far from over, and Houston will not back down moving forward.

Houston Rockets Game 1 Stats

The Houston Rockets did not have enough to beat the Golden State Warriors. Center Alperen Sengun led the home team with 26 points and nine boards. Dillon Brooks was the second-leading scorer with 11 points and three rebounds. Players such as Jalen Green did not bring as much production, but there is plenty of time for him to have big scoring games as the playoffs continue to go on.

Final Thoughts

If Golden State can keep the momentum and have other role players step up, they will be able to win the next game. However, it will not be easy as the Rockets have younger athletes on the floor who play lots of minutes in a game. Houston will have another opportunity at home to tie up the series. Game two of the first round will take place on Wednesday at 9:30 p,m. ET on TNT or TruTV.