Kerr’s postgame shade was the cherry on top of Warriors’ Game 1 win

The No. 7 Golden State Warriors were up by 23 points against the No. 2 Houston Rockets during Game 1 of the first round of NBA playoffs, but the Rockets cut that deficit to three in the fourth quarter. It looked dangerous for Golden State, but Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler helped lead the Warriors to an epic win over the Rockets 95-85.

Curry scored a game-high 31 points, shooting 12-of-19 including five 3-pointers, and put up six rebounds and three assists. One of those 3-pointers from Curry was a particularly epic shot that saw him somehow get around Jalen Green to beat the shot clock. Butler contributed 24 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and five steals.

“Just the idea of what it was going to take to beat this particular team was just a grind-it-out type of performance that we had,” Curry said. “Thankfully we got it done.”

Kerr’s postgame jab steals spotlight

While the Warriors beat the Rockets in shooting - 47.4% to 39.1% - the Rockets had the edge in rebounding, 52-36.

“At times, their best offense is offensive rebounds,” said Warriors forward Draymond Green after the game. “They are elite at it. That’s something we expected. We did a decent job in the first half, but in the second half it was way out of control.”

“We’ve gotta do a better job there, but that is their style of play,” Green went on. “They rough you up, they grab, they hold, they crash the boards. They are an extremely physical team.”

While it was an entertaining game, it was Warriors coach Steve Kerr’s sarcastic postgame comments that stole the show. When he was asked if he prepared his team for the Rockets’ physicality, he smirked.

“No I didn’t mention it at all,” said Kerr. “I totally forgot to tell the team that Houston is really physical and great on the glass. Thanks for the reminder and I’m gonna mention it before Game 2.”

The Rockets will host the Warriors at Toyota Center in Game 2 on Wednesday, April 23 at 9:30 p.m. ET. Game 3 will be played in San Francisco at the Warriors’ Chase Center on Saturday. The winner of the series will face either the No. 3 Los Angeles Lakers or No. 6 Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round. Minnesota currently leads the series 1-0.

Related stories

NBA

Butler reveals one reason why Warriors will be champs

NBA

Warriors hold off Houston to take Game 1

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.