Key Points Summary – Warriors New NBA Favorites After Win

• The Golden State Warriors took down the Houston Rockets 95-85 in Game 1 of their playoff series and are now being called serious contenders for the NBA title.
• Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler combined for 56 of the team’s 95 points, putting the league on notice.
• Curry dazzled with circus shots and playoff poise, while Butler showed off his scoring firepower.
• The Rockets struggled badly from the floor, shooting just 6-for-29 from three-point range and 11-for-20 from the free-throw line.
• Houston’s young roster showed nerves in their playoff debut, with only Alperen Sengun shining bright with 26 points and 9 rebounds.
• Despite the shooting woes, the Rockets kept it close late, showing signs of resilience.
• With momentum and playoff magic returning, the Warriors are now being mentioned alongside the Thunder and Celtics as title favorites.

Warriors New NBA Favorites After Win – Golden State Is Back and Hotter Than Ever!

Watch out, NBA—the Warriors are rolling again, and this time, they’ve got an all-new two-headed monster leading the way!

After taking down the Houston Rockets 95-85 in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series, the Golden State Warriors aren’t just winning games—they’re winning back the spotlight. With Steph Curry doing Steph things, and new teammate Jimmy Butler proving he was the missing piece, fans and analysts alike are calling Golden State a top contender once more.

It’s official: the Warriors are back, and they’re coming for the crown.

Steph Curry + Jimmy Butler = Championship Vibes

Let’s start with the dynamic duo of the moment—Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler.

Curry did what he always does: hit mind-blowing shots from impossible angles, ignite the crowd, and control the tempo with the confidence of a two-time MVP.

He finished the night with 31 points, leading the charge and reminding everyone that when the lights are brightest, no one shines like Steph.

But it wasn’t just the Steph Show. Jimmy Butler—known for his playoff toughness—added 25 points and brought swagger, defense, and intensity. Together, Curry and Butler accounted for 56 of Golden State’s 95 points, more than 60% of the total.

“They’re unstoppable together,” one Warriors fan said. “This is the most dangerous duo in the league right now.”

Rockets Fall Flat in Game 1 – But There’s Hope

The Houston Rockets, back in the playoffs for the first time since 2020, came in with hope—but left with questions.

The team shot just 6-of-29 from beyond the arc, and only 11-of-20 at the free-throw line, giving away golden opportunities to stay in the game.

Fred VanVleet and Jalen Green had especially rough nights, shooting a combined 7-of-34. VanVleet’s 2-for-13 performance from three summed up Houston’s struggles.

“It was an offensively poor showing,” admitted Rockets coach Ime Udoka. “But we’re not going to overreact. It’s a long series.”

Alperen Sengun – The Lone Bright Spot for Houston

In a game full of misses and miscues, one Rocket stood tall: Alperen Sengun.

The rising star showed up in a big way, dropping 26 points and grabbing 9 rebounds, often looking like the only consistent threat on the court for Houston.

“We stayed together and showed some growth tonight,” said teammate Jabari Smith.

While the result was disappointing, the Rockets’ youth and fight showed flashes of what could come in the future.

A Late Push From Houston – But the Warriors Were Too Strong

Despite being down by as much as 23 in the third quarter, the Rockets managed to close the gap to just four pointswith under three minutes left, thanks to a three-pointer by VanVleet.

But Curry and Butler slammed the door shut with a late-game burst, showing the kind of composure and playoff smarts that young teams like Houston just don’t have yet.

“We can generate better looks,” VanVleet said. “We’ll bounce back.”

Why the Warriors Are Suddenly NBA Title Favorites

Let’s break it down:

• They’ve got championship experience.
• They’ve got a rejuvenated Steph Curry.
• They’ve added playoff beast Jimmy Butler to the mix.
• And now, they’ve got momentum.

After surviving the Play-In Tournament with a win over the Memphis Grizzlies, the Warriors are now firmly in the playoff groove.

With the LA Lakers and Clippers struggling, and with teams like Denver and Milwaukee looking shaky, the path is opening up for Golden State to make another deep run.

Alongside the red-hot Thunder and the always-dangerous Celtics, the Warriors are being called the third true favorite in this year’s race to the Finals.

Game 2 – Can the Rockets Respond?

All eyes now turn to Game 2, where the Rockets will try to even the series and prove they belong on the big stage.

Houston’s keys?

• Better shooting
• More from VanVleet and Green
• Defensive stops on Curry and Butler

It’s easier said than done.

Meanwhile, the Warriors will look to keep the pressure on, and if they win Game 2, they’ll head to Houston with a commanding 2-0 lead and a chance to bury the series early.

What the Numbers Say

• Warriors shooting: 45% from the field, with Curry and Butler leading the way
• Rockets shooting: 37% overall, just 20% from three
• Offensive rebounds: Rockets dominated 22-6—but still couldn’t convert
• Turnovers: Both teams were clean, but the Warriors made more of their possessions count

Final Thoughts: Warriors New NBA Favorites After Win – The Dynasty Lives On

The Warriors’ Game 1 win over the Rockets wasn’t just another playoff victory—it was a reminder.

A reminder that Steph Curry still runs this league, and that adding Jimmy Butler to this team was a stroke of genius.

The NBA landscape has shifted. The Warriors are healthy, hungry, and hot. And after Sunday night, there’s no denying it:

The Warriors are back—and they might just be your new NBA title favorites.

Game 2 can’t come soon enough. Grab your popcorn. The show is just getting started.