HOUSTON – The Golden State Warriors had a clear mission on Sunday night: to seize home court advantage from the Houston Rockets in Game 1 of their opening-round NBA playoff series. The No. 2 seed Rockets entered the contest as slight favorites, but the No. 7 Warriors were determined to draw first blood in this critical matchup.
Making his playoff debut for the Warriors, Jimmy Butler showcased his skills and confidence, scoring 25 points, including a pivotal three-pointer that extended Golden State's lead to 20 points in the third quarter. Butler, who had been acquired to enhance the Warriors’ championship aspirations, was not fazed by the pressure of playing on the road at the Toyota Center.
Butler's performance was highlighted by a memorable moment when he hit a three-pointer and pointed at NBA legend Reggie Miller, who was commentating for TNT. Kevin Harlan, the award-winning commentator, captured the moment perfectly, saying, “Jimmy Butler! That’s right! He points at Reggie Miller and says, ‘I’m doing my best impression of you.’” This gesture not only showcased Butler's confidence but also his awareness of the game's history.
The Rockets, however, were not going to back down easily. After trailing by as much as 23 points during the game, they rallied in the third quarter, cutting the Warriors' lead to just nine points by the end of the period. Houston's strategy focused on dominating the boards, where they led the NBA in rebounding this season. They managed an impressive 22 offensive rebounds compared to Golden State's six, keeping them in contention throughout the game.
As the game progressed, it became evident that the Rockets were intent on disrupting the Warriors' rhythm. Dillon Brooks was tasked with the significant challenge of limiting Butler's influence, a strategy that had worked in their previous encounter where Butler was held to just 13 points. The Rockets' defensive approach was aggressive, and they aimed to force Golden State's other scorers into less effective roles.
Despite the Rockets' efforts, Steph Curry found his footing after a tough outing in their last meeting, where he scored only three points on 1-of-10 shooting. In this game, Curry exploded for 31 points, demonstrating why he is considered one of the greatest shooters in NBA history. His ability to navigate through Houston’s tight defense was on full display, as he made two late three-pointers and several critical layups that helped the Warriors maintain their lead.
The first half saw the Warriors take control, ending the second quarter with a 9-0 run that put them ahead 47-34 at halftime. This momentum carried into the third quarter, where Butler's three-pointer ignited the crowd and forced Rockets coach Ime Udoka to call a timeout. The Warriors seemed poised for a comfortable victory.
However, the Rockets showed resilience, launching a comeback fueled by their rebounding prowess and aggressive defense. They managed to cut the deficit significantly, showcasing their determination to rewrite their playoff narrative after a long absence from the postseason. This was their first home playoff game since 2019, and the atmosphere was electric as fans rallied behind their team.
As the fourth quarter began, the tension heightened. Curry hit another deep three-pointer early in the period, pushing the Warriors' lead back to 10 points. But the Rockets responded quickly, with Jabari Smith Jr. sinking a crucial three-pointer to keep the game within reach. The back-and-forth nature of the game kept fans on the edge of their seats.
In the final moments, both teams fought fiercely for every possession. Butler and Curry combined their efforts to secure the win for the Warriors, who ultimately triumphed with a final score of 95-85. Butler scored seven of his points in the last two minutes, sealing the victory and showcasing his clutch performance in his playoff debut.
Golden State's victory was particularly significant as they had lost their last matchup against the Rockets 106-96, making this win a statement in the postseason. The Warriors had previously won the regular-season series 3-2, but this playoff victory was crucial for their momentum.
Looking ahead, both teams are set to face off again in Game 2 on Wednesday night, April 23, 2025. The Rockets will need to refine their strategies and find ways to contain Butler and Curry if they hope to even the series. With the stakes higher than ever, this playoff series promises to deliver more thrilling basketball action.
