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Golden State Warriors: 3 takeaways from Game 1 victory vs. Rockets

By Daniel Lubofsky

OAKLAND, CA - APRIL 28: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors high-fives Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors against the Houston Rockets during the Western Conference Semi-Finals of the NBA Playoffs on April 28, 2019 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - APRIL 28: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors high-fives Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors against the Houston Rockets during the Western Conference Semi-Finals of the NBA Playoffs on April 28, 2019 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

In arguably the most anticipated matchup of the 2019 NBA Playoffs, the Golden State Warriors took Game 1 in their second-round series against the Houston Rockets.

The Houston Rockets headed to the Bay Area for a rematch of last season’s Western Conference Finals battle with the Golden State Warriors. While most had hoped to see these two fight it out for a spot in the NBA Finals once again, this conference semifinal series still had all the makings to be one of the best from the 2019 NBA Playoffs.

Golden State drew first blood in Game 1, defeating the Rockets in a down-to-the-wire 104-100 victory. The Warriors led for much of this game, yet they never built up a lead greater than nine. A late Houston run had it in position to tie the game with a 3-pointer, but an errant James Harden look from the top of the key sealed the victory for the Dubs.

Kevin Durant continued his phenomenal scoring output during these playoffs in scoring a game-high 35 points. Draymond Green nearly recorded a triple-double with 14 points, nine rebounds and nine assists.

Eric Gordon was the breakout star for the Rockets. The 11-year veteran dropped in 27 points, shooting a clean 6-for-6 from inside the arc. James Harden led Houston with 35, but Golden State’s defense helped limit the reigning MVP to just 9-of-28 shooting from the field.

Had Harden’s 3 dropped in and the game gone to overtime, there’s no telling what would’ve transpired. The Warriors’ defensive effort was inspiring, but their offense still left much to be desired. If the Dubs are to make a statement in Game 2, they’ll need to build off what went right in the win while correcting what went wrong as well.

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