NBA West Finals -- Warriors steal homecourt with Game 1 win
By Homer D. Sayson
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 16 May 2018
CHICAGO -- The highly-anticipated Western Conference Finals duel between the Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets was electric as anticipated, full of thrills and chills.
But after 48 minutes of action, it was the defending champion Warriors who drew first blood, beating the host Rockets 119-106 in Game 1 on Monday night at the Toyota Center.
Kevin Durant, a former NBA MVP and last June's Finals MVP, was too hot to handle with 37 points on 14 of 27 shooting including thee made 3s. Steph Curry wasn't as explosive with a relatively low 18 points, but his Splash Brother, Klay Tompson, erupted for six triples to finish with 28.
James Harden had a fast start, nine quick points that helped Houston take an early 23-14 lead. The presumptive MVP went on to tally 41 but it wasn't enough as the gritty Warriors, showing the poise of champions, recovered and shot 42 of 80 field goals including 13 of 33 from long distance.
"Our guys have been here before, Our guys have a lot of experience, they felt this, they relish this," Warriors head coach Steve Kerr told The San Francisco Chronicle.
"If we want to beat them we have to be mentally sharper. There were too many times we had mental lapses," Rockets coach Mike D'Antoni said after the loss, one that surrendered homecourt advantage to Golden State.
Houston, the No.1 overall seed in these playoffs, finished with 39 of 85 from the field and 13 of 37 from 3-point range.
It simply wasn't enough against a talent-loaded, focused Golden State.
Game 2 resumes Wednesday night (Thursday AM in the Philippines) at the Toyota Center. If the Rockets want to make this a long series they need to hold serve because the Warriors, who host Games 3 and 4 in Oakland, California, have an active 15-0 streak at the Oracle Arena.
caption -- Kevin Durant had an easy time scoring 37 points against the Rockets. He shot over shorter defenders and danced around bigger opposition. The result was just as easy, Warriors 119, Rockets 106.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Homer D. Sayson.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Boxlab Promotions Euri Cedeno and Carlos De Leon Castro Shine in San Juan Victories
Wed, 04 Feb 2026National Boxing Hall of Fame 2026 is set to April 26 in Montebello, California
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 04 Feb 2026Vito Mielnicki Jr. Returns Home to Defend WBC USA, IBF USBA and WBO Global Middleweight Championships Against Omar Ulises Huerta
Wed, 04 Feb 2026Noah Lucas Palcis sees action in Bangkok chess meet
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 04 Feb 2026Reymond Yanong Edges Out Hayato Ono for Split Decision Win in Japan
By Carlos Costa, Tue, 03 Feb 2026“I’m gonna smoke whoever is in front of me, Anthony Wright- Hearn makes his pro debut March 13 at Thunderdome 53
Tue, 03 Feb 2026Pacman's Cue Club Hosts J&P 10 Ball Cup from Feb. 4 to 7
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 03 Feb 2026Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge is back
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 03 Feb 2026WILDER AND CHISORA FACE OFF IN ICONIC TIMES SQUARE TO ANNOUNCE APRIL 4 HEAVYWEIGHT SHOWDOWN AT THE O2 LONDON
Tue, 03 Feb 2026World Boxing appoints Tom Dielen as new Secretary General
Tue, 03 Feb 2026Sullivan Management signs 19-1 power-punching Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga
Tue, 03 Feb 2026Another Grandeza in MMA is coming
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 03 Feb 2026Gracie meets Zubiri in PH
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 02 Feb 2026International Master Eric Labog Jr. rules FIDE rapid chess tourney
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 02 Feb 202676ers star Paul George has been suspended for 25 NBA games by doping
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sun, 01 Feb 2026