Curry and Butler Power Warriors Past Rockets in Game 1 Playoff Upset

In a thrilling start to the Western Conference playoffs, the Golden State Warriors stunned the Houston Rockets with a 95-85 road win in Game 1, snatching home court advantage and making an early statement in the series.

Curry’s Comeback Brilliance

Stephen Curry led the charge with a dominant performance, putting up 31 points on 12-of-19 shooting, including five three-pointers. Just two weeks ago, Curry had a rough outing against Houston, scoring only three points. But on Sunday night at the Toyota Center in Houston, the two-time MVP was back to his dazzling best, adding six rebounds and igniting his team when it mattered most.

Jimmy Butler III, a key mid-season addition for the Warriors, chipped in with 25 points, seven rebounds, and six assists, bringing veteran leadership and clutch play down the stretch.

Warriors Take Control Early

Golden State weathered an energetic start by the Rockets, who were led by Alperen Sengun’s 26 points and nine rebounds. Houston jumped to a 19-12 lead in the first quarter, highlighted by a fast-break dunk from Tari Eason following a steal. However, Curry quickly closed the gap with back-to-back drives and a key assist to Butler, narrowing the score to 21-18 by the end of the opening quarter.

The second quarter was a turning point. Butler gave the Warriors their first lead at 24-23 with a free throw, and Golden State followed with an 11-0 run capped by a reverse layup from Curry. By halftime, they were firmly in control, leading 47-34 after finishing the quarter with a 9-0 burst. During that stretch, Houston went ice cold, missing their last five shots and committing two costly turnovers.

Rockets Fight Back, But Warriors Hold On

Despite falling behind by 23 points, the Rockets mounted a gritty comeback. A floater from Amen Thompson cut the deficit to just three points (76-73) with under seven minutes left in the fourth. But once again, Curry stepped up, burying a deep three to extend the lead. Butler and rookie Brandin Podziemski, who added 14 points, eight rebounds, and five assists, helped seal the win as Golden State kept the Rockets at bay.

Houston’s struggles from the field—shooting just 39.1%—and their 17 turnovers proved costly. The Warriors capitalized with 25 points off those miscues.

Jabari Smith Jr. was the only other Rocket in double figures with 11 points, while Jalen Green and Fred VanVleet had a night to forget, combining for just 17 points on a dismal 7-for-34 shooting.

Around the League: Playoff Highlights

Sunday was action-packed across the NBA. The Oklahoma City Thunder blew out the Memphis Grizzlies 131-80 in what became the most lopsided Game 1 win in NBA playoff history.

In the East, the reigning champion Boston Celtics cruised past the Orlando Magic 103-86 behind 30 points from Derrick White. Meanwhile, the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers handled the Miami Heat 121-100, proving why they’re a serious threat to repeat.

Looking Ahead

Game 2 between the Warriors and Rockets is set for Wednesday, again in Houston. The Rockets will need to regroup quickly if they hope to even the series, while Golden State aims to keep the momentum going and take a commanding 2-0 lead back to the Bay Area.

Stay tuned for more playoff action and analysis here!