@stephencurry30 led the charge with 31 PTS as the @warriors win Game 1 in Houston! 😤

The Golden State Warriors came out swinging in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets, powered by the unstoppable energy of none other than Stephen Curry. The two-time MVP lit up the scoreboard with 31 points, setting the tone for a gritty 112-104 road victory that reminded everyone why the Warriors are still one of the most dangerous teams in the postseason.

From the opening tip, Curry looked locked in. His trademark off-ball movement and quick-trigger release kept the Rockets’ defense on its heels. Whether it was pulling up from deep, finishing with finesse at the rim, or drawing fouls with his crafty handles, Steph made it clear early on that he was in takeover mode. He finished the night shooting 10-of-19 from the field, including 5-of-11 from beyond the arc, adding 6 assists and 4 rebounds for good measure.

But this win wasn’t just about Curry’s brilliance—it was a full team effort with timely contributions on both ends of the floor. Klay Thompson chipped in with 18 points and some clutch perimeter defense, while Draymond Green played the role of emotional anchor, bringing relentless energy and tallying 10 rebounds, 7 assists, and a couple of huge defensive stops down the stretch.

The Rockets, led by Jalen Green’s 27 points, kept things competitive for most of the night. Fred VanVleet added 21, and rookie Cam Whitmore provided a spark off the bench, but Houston struggled to match Golden State’s poise in the final minutes. With under four minutes to go and the game tied at 99, the Warriors went on a decisive 9-2 run, highlighted by a dagger three from Curry with 1:13 remaining that silenced the Toyota Center crowd.

Golden State’s defense deserves plenty of credit as well. After a shaky first half where Houston racked up 58 points, the Warriors clamped down in the third and fourth quarters. Andrew Wiggins was particularly impressive, hounding Green and switching onto multiple positions without missing a beat. Kevon Looney also battled in the paint, pulling down key offensive boards that extended crucial possessions.

For the Warriors, the win wasn’t just a strong start to the series—it was a statement. Coming into the playoffs as a lower seed, many questioned if this aging core could still contend with the league’s young guns. But Curry reminded everyone that experience, leadership, and elite shot-making still matter, especially in the high-stakes environment of playoff basketball.

“It’s about setting the tone,” Curry said in his postgame interview. “We know how hard it is to win on the road in the playoffs, and we wanted to come out with energy, focus, and discipline. This is just one game, but we’re hungry for more.”

Steve Kerr echoed that sentiment, praising the team’s resilience. “We weathered some runs, kept our composure, and leaned on our leaders when it mattered. That’s what championship DNA looks like.”

Game 2 is set for Wednesday night in Houston, and it’s clear the Rockets will need to make adjustments—particularly on the defensive end—if they want to even the series. Slowing down Curry is easier said than done, but Houston will likely try to throw more double teams and traps his way in hopes of forcing the ball out of his hands.

Still, if Game 1 is any indication, the Warriors are in playoff form—and that should have the rest of the Western Conference on alert.