Warriors Dominate First Half Against Rockets in Game 1 Showdown
Golden State surged to a 20-point lead at halftime in Game 1 of their NBA Playoffs clash with Houston. Can the Rockets bounce back?
Key Highlights:
Rockets vs Warriors kicked off their Western Conference First Round playoff series on April 20, 2025, with the Golden State Warriors asserting early dominance. Playing at the Chase Center, the Warriors led the Houston Rockets 61–41 at halftime, setting the tone for what could be a statement win in the postseason opener.
Electric Start from Golden State
Golden State entered the game with a 3–2 head-to-head advantage over the Rockets during the regular season. Fueled by playoff intensity and a roaring home crowd, the Warriors established early control through efficient ball movement and stifling defense.
- Stephen Curry led all scorers at halftime with 16 points, including 4 three-pointers.
- Draymond Green orchestrated plays from the top, registering 7 assists and anchoring the defense.
- The Warriors shot over 55% from the field in the first half.
On the other end, the Rockets struggled to find rhythm offensively. Jalen Green and Alperen Şengün combined for only 15 points, as Houston committed 10 turnovers in the opening 24 minutes.
Season Recap: Tight Battles, But Warriors Lead
The Rockets vs Warriors regular-season meetings were closely contested, but Golden State had the upper hand with three wins out of five.
| Date | Result |
|---|---|
| Nov 2, 2024 | Warriors 127, Rockets 121 (OT) |
| Dec 5, 2024 | Warriors 99, Rockets 93 |
| Dec 11, 2024 | Rockets 91, Warriors 90 |
| Feb 13, 2025 | Warriors 105, Rockets 98 |
| Apr 6, 2025 | Rockets 106, Warriors 96 |
With the momentum carried into the playoffs, Golden State looked far more composed and playoff-ready in the opening minutes of Game 1.
Key First Half Stats: Rockets vs Warriors
Here are the notable numbers from the first half of Game 1:
- Field Goal %: Warriors – 56%, Rockets – 38%
- Turnovers: Warriors – 4, Rockets – 10
- Rebounds: Warriors – 24, Rockets – 19
- Bench Points: Warriors – 18, Rockets – 9
Golden State’s bench, led by Gary Payton II and Jonathan Kuminga, provided crucial minutes that widened the gap further just before halftime.
Rockets’ Struggles in Transition and Paint
One of Houston’s biggest challenges was defending the paint and transition. The Warriors scored 22 fast-break points, exposing gaps in the Rockets’ defensive alignment. Additionally, Golden State’s rim protection forced Houston to settle for low-percentage jumpers.
Coach Ime Udoka will need to make immediate tactical adjustments to stop the Warriors’ fluid offense and create better offensive looks for Jalen Green and Fred VanVleet.
What This Means for the Team
Golden State’s explosive start gives them an important psychological edge in this best-of-seven series. A win in Game 1 would protect home-court advantage and set a strong precedent for the rest of the matchup.
For Houston, the task is clear: regroup during halftime, reduce turnovers, and find a way to slow down Golden State’s perimeter attack. Otherwise, they risk being overwhelmed early in the series.
Game 1 resumes shortly, and all eyes are on whether the Rockets can stage a comeback or if the Warriors will cruise to an emphatic opening win.
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