Live Updates: Golden State Warriors vs. Houston Rockets – April 20, 2025 Game Score and Stats Tracker!

HOUSTON (AP) — The Golden State Warriors kicked off their first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets with a solid victory. Draymond Green emphasized the importance of Steph Curry in their win. “For us to succeed, Steph needs to perform at his best, and he did just that,” Green said.

Curry scored 31 points, hitting 12 of 19 shots, including five 3-pointers. His impressive play included some jaw-dropping shots that got his teammates excited.

Jimmy Butler also made a significant impact in his playoff debut, contributing 25 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and five steals after joining the Warriors in February. Coach Steve Kerr praised both Curry and Butler for their offensive prowess.

The Warriors had a comfortable lead, going up by 23 points in the third quarter. However, the Rockets fought back, narrowing the gap to 69-60 at the end of the third. With about five minutes left, a basket from Amen Thompson closed the score to just four points. But Curry quickly answered with another 3-pointer, bringing the score to 82-75.

Despite Houston managing to take the score down to four points again late in the game, a 3-pointer from Moses Moody sparked a 7-0 run, ultimately sealing the game at 91-80.

Interestingly, even with their win, the Warriors faced challenges. Houston dominated the offensive boards with a 22-6 advantage. Green expressed optimism about room for improvement, stating, “I think we can play a lot better. That’s the encouraging part.”

This victory marked Kerr’s 100th playoff win as a coach, tying him with Larry Brown for sixth on the all-time list. “I’m fortunate to work with these players. They are the ones who win the games,” Kerr remarked.

For the Rockets, this was a chance to return to the playoffs after a three-year absence. Alperen Sengun shined in his first postseason game with 26 points. However, star players Fred VanVleet and Jalen Green struggled, shooting just 7 of 34 combined. VanVleet reflected on their performance, “We just didn’t execute as we should.”

Interestingly, the Rockets had a tough night from beyond the arc, shooting only 6 of 29 from three-point range. This underperformance was stark compared to their regular-season stats, where they averaged over 35% success from deep.

Curry noted that this Rockets team feels different from those they faced in earlier playoff matchups. “Experience in the playoffs helps us stay composed during runs from the opponent,” he said, focusing on the current team’s dynamics rather than past rivalries.

As the series continues, the teams will clash again in Game 2 on Wednesday night in Houston, where fans can expect fierce competition as both sides seek to establish their playoff identities.

For more updates on the NBA playoffs, you can check the AP NBA section.

Source link