Houston

Warriors Defeat Rockets, Take Game 1 of Western Conference Finals

In their first Western Conference Finals appearance since 1976, the Warriors did what they usually do when things turned tight this season. 

They locked down on defense and leaned on MVP Stephen Curry.

Curry scored 34 points and the Warriors held the Rockets to 42.2 percent shooting over the final three quarters to post a 110-106 victory in Game 1 Tuesday night before a roaring sellout crowd at Oracle Arena.

The Rockets came out sizzling early, leading by as much as 16 in the first half, before the Warriors cranked up the defense. Houston made 21 of its first 33 shots but only 19 of its last 53 (35.8 percent) over the final two-plus quarters.

Four other Warriors scored in double figures, as Shaun Livingston scored 18 points, Klay Thompson had 15, Harrison Barnes put in 14 and Draymond Green finished with 13.

Houston center Dwight Howard bruised his knee in the first quarter and tried to play through it before giving up with 11:09 left in the game. He finished with 7 points and 13 rebounds.

James Harden led Houston with 28 points, including 21 in the second half.

Visit NBC Bay Area's Warriors page for more team coverage.

Contact Us