Years and years of playoff experience and unparalleled defense proved to be the deciding factor on Monday, as the Golden State Warriors sealed game 1 of the best-of-seven quarterfinal series. To no one’s surprise, it was the duo of Curry in MVP mode and Playoff Jimmy that led the way for the Dubs in Texas.
Old But Gold: Warriors’ Aging Trio Not Backing Down
Steph Curry (36), Jimmy Butler (35), and Draymond Green (35) are somewhat already at the back end of their careers. However, on their first playoff game together as teammates, Curry and Butler showed the young guns of Houston that they could still perform at a high level, even on the biggest stage.
Chef Curry led the charge with 31 points, 3 assists, and 6 rebounds while also making 5 of his 9 attempts from three. Subsequently, the two-time MVP also passed Bulls legend Scottie Pippen for the 17th spot in the NBA’s All-time leaders in playoff field goals made.
Meanwhile, Jimmy Buckets also had a great all-around game after going for 25 points, 6 dimes, and 7 boards in 42 minutes of play.
On the defensive end, Moses Moody, Gary Payton II, and Brandin Podziemski took turns putting a stop to Fred VanVleet and Jalen Green’s hot shooting, limiting the two to a terrible 7-of-34 from the field. This is the Rockets’ season-low in terms of total points.
Not seen on the floor was Jonathan Kuminga, who continues to be benched despite a good regular season.
Alperen Sengun had a highlight reel after a poster dunk on Draymond, which made every Houston Rockets fan inside the Toyota Center go wild. The Turkish big man tried everything in his power to pacify the growing deficit the Warriors set in the third quarter. Unfortunately, his 26 points and 9 rebounds still weren’t enough to get the job done, despite Golden State’s small-ball lineup.
