The Golden State Warriors opened their playoff series with a gritty win over the Houston Rockets, overcoming one of the league’s top defenses and a size disadvantage in the process. Despite the final score feeling like a throwback to a different NBA era, it was Houston’s physical style and reliance on big lineups that truly evoked nostalgia for that Chicago Bulls 97′ times — especially for Steve Kerr.
“They’re not a typical modern NBA team, in terms of spreading you out, playing fast, shooting a million threes. They’re kind of old school,” Kerr said in his postgame press conference (via KNBR). “In many ways, they’re in the image of their coach. Ime [Udoka] was a grinder as a player. He was tough and physical, and that’s what Houston is.”
Kerr, who played alongside Michael Jordan on the 1997 Chicago Bulls championship team, couldn’t help but draw a parallel between those Rockets and the squad his Bulls battled in that same playoff run. The way Houston deployed its size — including the duo of Alperen Şengün and Steven Adams — brought back vivid memories.
“In this series, you can see they know where their advantage lies, and it’s playing Steven Adams a lot,” Kerr said. “Sometimes playing him with Sengun. Having everybody crash. So, it felt like 1997 out there to me. Completely different NBA game than we’re used to. We’ve got to be ready for that. This is what this series is going to be.”
Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates a basket against the Houston Rockets during the second quarter in Game One of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center on April 20, 2025 in Houston, Texas.
Houston’s physicality presents a problem for Golden State
While the Warriors secured the Game 1 win, their vulnerability on the glass remains a major concern. The Rockets dominated the boards, outrebounding Golden State 52-36, including a 22-12 edge in second-chance points. They also attempted 11 more shots — a telling stat that highlights Houston’s control of the possession game.
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“This was a triumph of execution over athleticism, discipline over energy,” Kerr said. “They’re the best team in the league in the possession game. They got 11 more shots than we did tonight as a result of all those offensive boards. Now, we’re going to turn them over, too. Our defense is excellent. We just held a hell of a team to 85 points on their home floor, so our defense is big time and we’re going to count on that.”
Frontcourt questions loom
Golden State’s interior rotation remains a topic of discussion. Kevon Looney, though a trusted veteran, struggled to impact the rebounding battle with his limited mobility. Backup big man Quentin Post couldn’t stay on the floor long enough to make a difference, and with the Rockets’ size taking a toll, rookie Trayce Jackson-Davis may get a look as the NBA series unfolds.
If the Warriors are going to win the war of attrition against Houston’s size and physicality, they’ll need both strategic adjustments and added intensity — particularly under the rim.
