Houston’s starting backcourt shot a combined 7-of-26, including 2-of-17 on 3-pointers (11.8%), in a deflating Game 1 loss at home to Golden State.
HOUSTON — In their first playoff game since 2020, the Rockets shot just 39.1% overall, 20.7% on 3-pointers, and 55.0% on free throws in a deflating 95-85 home loss to the Warriors (box score). Golden State now leads the best-of-seven series, 1-0, with Game 2 set for Wednesday night.
The main culprits for the poor shooting were Jalen Green and Fred VanVleet. Houston’s starting guards combined to make just 7-of-26 shots (26.9%), including 2-of-17 from 3-point range (11.8%).
The Rockets trailed by as many as 23 points early in the second half and closed the margin to as little as four points in the fourth quarter, but Houston never could get over the final hump. The Rockets stayed competitive by out-rebounding Golden State, 52-36, but the shooting discrepancy proved too much to overcome. The Warriors shot significantly better at 47.6% overall, 37.5% on 3-pointers, and 78.6% on free throws.
Key statistical lines included:
- Stephen Curry: 31 points, 6 rebounds; 12-of-19 shooting (63.2%), 5-of-9 on 3-pointers (55.6%)
- Jimmy Butler: 25 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 5 steals; 10-of-19 shooting (52.6%), 4-of-6 on free throws (66.7%)
- Alperen Sengun: 26 points, 9 rebounds, 3 steals; 11-of-18 shooting (61.1%)
- Jabari Smith Jr.: 11 points, 6 rebounds; 3-of-3 shooting, 1-of-1 on 3-pointers, 4-of-4 on free throws
- Amen Thompson: 8 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists; 4-of-9 shooting (44.4%)
Read on for highlights, interviews, and related postgame reaction following Sunday’s Game 1. Game 2 will be Wednesday night, also at Houston’s Toyota Center.
Game 1 Highlights
Postgame Interviews and Reaction
Remaining Rockets-Warriors Series Schedule
- Game 2: at Houston (Wednesday, April 23, 8:30 on TNT)
- Game 3: at Golden State (Saturday, April 26, 7:30 on ABC)
- Game 4: at Golden State (Monday, April 28, 9:00 on TNT)
- Game 5, if necessary: at Houston (Wednesday, April 30, tipoff TBD)
- Game 6, if necessary: at Golden State (Friday, May 2, TBD)
- Game 7, if necessary: at Houston (Sunday, May 4, TBD)
All games not televised on ABC will also be televised via a regional Space City Home Network broadcast featuring Houston’s own broadcast team.
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