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гриБSB, Huffington Post — Going into the final game of the opening round Sunday, the 2025 NBA playoffs felt like it might run out of scoring steam. And boy, did it ever. When the Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets combined for 180 points in Game 1, it felt more like a throwback to Charles Barkley’s era than Stephen Curry’s.

Here’s a deep dive into how the Warriors stifled the Rockets’ comeback attempt to steal Game 1 and take a 1-0 series lead:

1. **Warriors’ Grit and Grind Get it Done**

The Warriors, known for their offensive prowess, showed they’re just as strong on defense. The acquisition of Jimmy Butler bolstered their defensive tenacity, allowing them to mix up matchups and schemes. Butler, with 25 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists, was a calming presence down the stretch.

“He’s so versatile. You can throw him on bigs at times, you can throw him on point guards. He enables us to do a lot of things defensively.” – Draymond Green

2. **The Rockets’ Sengun-or-Bust Offense**

Alperen Sengun’s breakout performance (25 points, 10 rebounds) wasn’t enough to carry the inexperienced Rockets. Starters beside Sengun combined for just 24 points on 23-of-69 shooting. The Rockets need more balance on offense to compete.

3. **-Offensive Rebounding: A Wrinkle in the Warriors’ Dominance**

The Rockets’ 22 offensive rebounds (12 by Steven Adams and Kenyon Martin Jr. alone) yielded 22 second-chance points. The Warriors will need to shore up their rebounding to prevent such efficiently-efficient play.

4. **Butler Thwarts the Rockets’ Comeback**

Trailing by 23 midway through the third, the Rockets fought back to 72-68. Butler, however, stemmed the tide, scoring six points, grabbing two rebounds, and getting two steals in a crucial 3-minute span.

Jimmy Butler amasses 25 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, and 5 steals in Golden State’s Game 1 victory over Houston.

5. **Curry Shows No Signs of Tiring**

Despite the Rockets’ best efforts to test Curry defensively, he dropped 31 points, including five three-pointers. Curry’s defensive efforts allowed him to save energy for his offensive prowess.

**Did you know?**

• The Warriors ended the regular season 23-8, much of that improvement thanks to Jimmy Butler’s defensive prowess.
• The Rockets led the NBA in offensive rebounds during the regular season, snagging 1,200.

**Pro Tip**

To get the most out of your Warriors-Rockets series coverage, follow the players’ social media accounts. They often provide behind-the-scenes content and real-time updates.

**Don’t Miss**

Check out our comprehensive playoff schedule to stay updated on all the NBA action.

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