The experience of Golden State Warriors stars Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler proved to be a determining factor in a 95-85 win over the young Houston Rockets in Game 1 of the first-round playoff series between the two teams.
The Rockets relied on aggressiveness and physicality to deliver a strong first quarter that saw them lead by 13 points at one point. However, the Warriors quickly settled into the rhythm to slow down their opponents with smart defense while Curry and Butler took turns making one big shot after another.
Golden State took a commanding lead by the end of the first half and was up by 23 points in the third quarter. Houston eventually managed to cut down the lead to nine entering the fourth quarter but couldn’t complete a comeback.
Curry led the way for the Warriors with a game-high 31 points while adding six assists and six rebounds. Butler had 25 points, seven rebounds, and six assists.
“In order for us to win basketball games it requires Steph Curry to be great,” Golden State’s Draymond Green said after the game. “And he was just that.”
“(Curry) just made some amazing plays and obviously carried us offensively along with Jimmy,” Warriors’ head coach Steve Kerr added.
Game 2 between the seventh-seeded Warriors and second-seeded Rockets is scheduled for Wednesday before the series moves to San Francisco for Games 3 and 4.
