In a gripping playoff matchup on Sunday night, the Golden State Warriors bested the Houston Rockets with a score of 95-85 in Game 1 of their first-round series.

Stephen Curry delivered a standout performance, netting 31 points as the Warriors established a solid 23-point lead in the third quarter. However, the Rockets managed to cut the deficit to just nine points leading into the final quarter.

With about five and a half minutes remaining, Amen Thompson scored a basket that brought the Rockets within four. Shortly after, Curry drained his fifth 3-pointer, extending the Warriors’ lead to 82-75.

In the last stretch, Fred VanVleet’s three-pointer again narrowed the gap, but Moses Moody responded with his own three, initiating a 7-0 run for the Warriors to seal the victory.

Upcoming Match: Game 2 is set for Wednesday night in Houston.

This win marked the 100th career playoff victory for Warriors’ coach Steve Kerr, tying him with Larry Brown for the sixth-most playoff wins.

Curry shot 12-of-19 from the floor, including 5-of-9 from beyond the arc. Additionally, Jimmy Butler made a strong debut for the Warriors with 25 points, supplemented by key contributions from Draymond Green and Moses Moody.

The Rockets’ Alperen Sengun scored 26 points in his first playoff appearance, while VanVleet and Jalen Green struggled throughout the game, combining for just 7-of-34 shooting.

Despite a tough shooting night, the Rockets’ playoff return showcased promising talent and left fans eager for the next contest.