Steph Curry showcased once again why he is a perennial nightmare for defenders, scoring 31 points on 12-of-19 shooting in the Warriors' 95-85 victory over the Rockets in Game 1. Amen Thompson, tasked with guarding Curry, found himself overwhelmed, despite his recognition as one of the league’s top defenders this season. Curry’s playoff prowess was on full display as he effortlessly navigated Thompson’s defense, while the young Rocket learned that accolades from the regular season mean little in the postseason. Despite the physical defensive strategy employed by the Rockets, which had some success against Curry earlier in the month, they ultimately could not contain the Warriors' superstar.

In a thrilling playoff opener, Stephen Curry led the Golden State Warriors past the Houston Rockets with a game-high 31 points, overcoming a glaring rebounding deficit. The Miami Heat and Dallas Mavericks also made headlines as they secured victories in the play-in tournament, eliminating the Chicago Bulls and Sacramento Kings, respectively. Meanwhile, the Sacramento Kings parted ways with general manager Monte McNair after five seasons. In player news, Trae Young expressed his frustrations following the Atlanta Hawks' loss in the play-in tournament against the Orlando Magic, while Alex Condon of the Florida Gators announced his entry into the NBA Draft.

Additionally, the Warriors turned heads with a strong performance against the Memphis Grizzlies, with Curry hitting crucial three-pointers in the fourth quarter to seal the win. The Phoenix Suns made a significant coaching change, firing Mike Budenholzer after a disappointing season. As the playoffs unfold, teams and players alike are feeling the pressure, as evidenced by emotional responses from stars like Luka Doncic regarding his trade from the Mavericks. The next few games will be critical as teams fight for playoff positioning.

With the NBA playoffs underway, initial overreactions are already surfacing. The Los Angeles Lakers, despite Luka Dončić's playoff debut, showcased concerning depth, managing a mere 13 bench points in their first game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Their core trio of Dončić, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves might prove too predictable against teams with more balanced rosters.

Meanwhile, Stephen Curry's return has revitalized the Golden State Warriors, making them favorites against the Houston Rockets. Curry’s sharp scoring demonstrates his unmatched ability to adapt and thrive against defensive schemes tailored to limit him. In stark contrast, the Oklahoma City Thunder's dominant victory over the Memphis Grizzlies raised eyebrows, although it’s premature to crown them champions. The Grizzlies, led by the likes of Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ja Morant, are expected to rebound from their shocking performance.

The series between the Los Angeles Clippers and Denver Nuggets has already sparked excitement, hinting at potential classic matchups. Lastly, the Milwaukee Bucks are facing disappointment with Kyle Kuzma's underwhelming playoff performance, raising questions about his fit with the team and potential adjustments needed moving forward.

The Golden State Warriors have emerged as a formidable contender in the playoff landscape, showcasing their experience against the Houston Rockets. Stephen Curry's 31 points, highlighted by crucial three-pointers, were pivotal in their Game 1 triumph. Alongside him, Jimmy Butler's impactful performance, with 25 points and robust defense, bolstered the Warriors’ chances. In stark contrast, the Los Angeles Lakers faltered against the Minnesota Timberwolves. They struggled defensively, allowing 122 points per 100 possessions, while their offensive powerhouse, including LeBron James, was outscored despite high expectations. Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with an outstanding game, underscoring the Lakers’ vulnerabilities. With both teams set to adjust for Game 2, the Warriors appear poised for a deeper playoff run, while the Lakers face critical decisions to regain their competitive edge.