Warriors Look To Seize Series Lead over Rockets in Game Two Showdown

The Golden State Warriors will attempt to take the first two games over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night in Game Two of their first-round Western Conference playoff series at the Toyota Center. Golden State secured a 95-85 win in Game One, led by a vintage performance from Stephen Curry, who tallied 31 points on 12-of-19 shooting, including five three-pointers. Jimmy Butler, making his playoff debut with the Warriors, added 25 points, seven rebounds, six assists and five steals. Brandin Podziemski contributed 14 points, eight rebounds, and five assists, giving Golden State a crucial boost off the bench in his postseason debut.

The Warriors’ defense set the tone early in Game One, forcing 17 Houston turnovers and converting those mistakes into 25 points. Golden State also held the Rockets to 39 percent shooting from the field and 29 percent from three-point range. Butler's defensive pressure and composure helped stabilize the team throughout the game, earning postgame praise from Head Coach Steve Kerr for his leadership and intensity. The Warriors' playoff-tested core delivered in key moments, particularly in the fourth quarter, where they outscored Houston 28-19 to seal the victory.

For the Rockets, Game One exposed several issues on both ends of the court, starting with poor shooting and limited offensive rhythm. Alperen Sengun was a bright spot with 26 points and nine rebounds, but key guards Fred VanVleet and Jalen Green struggled, shooting a combined seven-for-34 from the field with zero three-pointers made. Houston’s bench contributed just 16 points, underscoring the need for stronger secondary scoring. Head Coach Ime Udoka emphasized urgency in his postgame remarks, stressing that his team must meet the Warriors' defensive intensity and sharpen their execution in half-court sets.

Tip-off for Game Two is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. Eastern time, with coverage on TNT. The Warriors aim to maintain defensive consistency and inch closer to a first-round series win. Meanwhile, the Rockets will look to adjust, regroup, and respond with sharper focus and higher efficiency. A win would restore balance to the series, while a loss would place Houston at risk of falling into a daunting 0-2 hole.