Warriors Grind Out Game 1 Win Despite Rockets’ Physicality and Frustrations

Physicality was expected to be a major theme heading into the Warriors’ first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets — and Game 1 delivered on that front. Although the Rockets dominated the offensive glass, Golden State dug deep for a gritty 95-85 win Sunday night at Toyota Center.

Houston’s aggressive approach, combined with some questionable officiating, clearly got under the Warriors’ skin — especially Draymond Green, who showed visible frustration during the second quarter. Following a 6-0 Rockets run, assistant coach Jerry Stackhouse stepped in to calm the veteran forward during a timeout.

After the game, Green shared what Stackhouse, a former 18-year NBA vet, told him in that moment. 

“Stackhouse just told me to keep doing what I was doing,” Green said.
“He said, ‘You’re doing a great job. Don’t worry about what’s happening out there. Don’t let your emotions take over — stay locked in.’ That meant a lot. He was huge for me tonight.”

Green’s final stat line — four points, six rebounds, three assists, and three steals — may not leap off the box score, but his defensive impact was undeniable. The Defensive Player of the Year finalist helped anchor a Warriors defense that held Houston to under 40% shooting and just 85 points — their lowest scoring output of the season.

Now, the challenge for Green and the Warriors is maintaining that same focus and intensity, especially with Steph Curry continuing to absorb tough, often borderline officiating. If they can stay locked in, just like Stackhouse urged, Golden State’s playoff poise may carry them deeper into the series.