Warriors draw first blood vs. Rockets behind Curry, Butler

The Golden State Warriors made a strong return to the NBA Playoffs by taking Game 1 of their first-round series against the Houston Rockets, 95-85, on April 21 (PH time) at the Toyota Center. Behind a vintage performance from Steph Curry and a strong playoff debut from Jimmy Butler in a Warriors uniform, Golden State now holds a 1-0 lead in the Western Conference matchup.

Curry led the way with 31 points, providing the offensive firepower the Warriors needed to outlast a gritty Rockets squad. The two-time MVP delivered clutch baskets down the stretch and reminded fans why he remains one of the most dangerous players in postseason play.

🏆 SUNDAY'S FINAL SCORES 🏆

Stephen Curry's 31 PTS leads the way for the @warriors in their Game 1 win on the road!

Jimmy Butler III: 25 PTS, 7 REB, 6 AST, 5 STL
Brandin Podziemski: 14 PTS, 8 REB, 5 AST, 2 STL

Game 2: Wednesday, 4/23 at 9:30pm/et on TNT https://t.co/OjTN3AtteI pic.twitter.com/nikKsjb2xh
— NBA (@NBA) April 21, 2025

Butler, acquired during the regular season, made an immediate impact in his playoff debut for Golden State. He filled the stat sheet with 25 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and five steals, bringing intensity on both ends of the floor and establishing himself as a key piece in the Warriors' playoff push.

PLAYOFF JIMMY INTRODUCES HIMSELF TO GOLDEN STATE!

😤 25 PTS
😤 7 REB
😤 6 AST
😤 5 STL

Left his mark in his Warriors playoff debut as GSW takes Game 1. pic.twitter.com/8c6l558O3N
— NBA (@NBA) April 21, 2025

The Warriors, who entered the 2025 playoffs as the seventh seed after defeating the Memphis Grizzlies in the Play-In Tournament, looked poised and playoff-tested, showing their experience in crucial moments. It marks their return to postseason action after missing out in the 2023-2024 season.

For Houston, Alperen Sengun led the Rockets with 26 points, nine rebounds, and three steals in a solid all-around performance. Despite the loss, the Rockets showed flashes of promise in their first playoff appearance since the 2020-2021 season. However, they struggled to contain Golden State’s veteran core and will need to make adjustments ahead of Game 2.

With momentum on their side and playoff experience running deep, the Warriors look to extend their lead in the series as they continue their quest for another deep postseason run.

[Editor's note: This article was generated by AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]

Warriors draw first blood vs. Rockets behind Curry, Butler

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