Golden State Warriors Secure Home Court Advantage with Upset Victory Over Houston Rockets in Western Conference Playoff Opener
Curry, who struggled in an earlier home loss to Houston, demonstrated brilliance with a 12-for-19 shooting record, hitting five three-pointers and grabbing six rebounds. Butler contributed significantly with seven rebounds and six assists, helping the Warriors take a 1-0 lead in the series, with Game 2 set for Wednesday in Houston.
Despite the Rockets closing a 23-point gap to 76-73, Curry extended the Warriors’ lead to 82-75 with a key three-pointer. Butler and Brandin Podziemski (14 points, eight rebounds, five assists) played crucial roles in maintaining the lead in the final moments.
The Rockets’ shooting was off, with only 39.1 percent of their shots making the mark, and they committed 17 turnovers that the Warriors converted into 25 points. Alperen Sengun led the Rockets with 26 points and nine rebounds, while Jabari Smith Jr. added 11 points, including a significant corner three-pointer.
Jalen Green and Fred VanVleet’s combined shooting was poor, with only 7 out of 34 shots finding their target, resulting in 17 points for Houston.
Houston’s early energy was driven by Sengun, who delivered eight points and six rebounds in the first quarter, giving them a 19-12 lead. However, Curry orchestrated a comeback, narrowing the gap to 21-18 heading into the second quarter. Butler put the Warriors ahead with a free throw, and Golden State secured a double-digit lead with an 11-0 run, highlighted by a Curry reverse layup.
Despite the Rockets’ brief comeback attempt, the Warriors’ 9-0 surge, featuring two three-pointers from Curry and three points from Butler, sealed a commanding 47-34 lead at halftime. The Rockets’ shooting woes continued, missing their final five attempts and committing two turnovers in the closing stretch.
In other playoff action on Sunday, the Oklahoma City Thunder set a record with a 131-80 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies, while in the Eastern Conference, the Boston Celtics, led by 30 points from Derrick White, defeated the Orlando Magic 103-86, and the Cleveland Cavaliers secured a victory over the Miami Heat with a score of 121-100.
