Stephen Curry had high praise for Jimmy Butler following the Golden State Warriors 95-85 victory over the Houston Rockets in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series.

While both stars led the way with a combined 56 points, Curry emphasized Butler’s playoff experience and presence as a key factor in the win.

"He’s carried teams to the Finals," Curry said after the game. "And the idea of what he brings to us is another guy that’s just comfortable with the ball in his hands to create for himself and for others, no matter what the situation is."

Player of the Game
	EFF 31
Jimmy Butler
Points	25
Accuracy	10-19
Rebounds	7
Assists	6

"He is a legitimate ball handler where we can give it to him in space on the post or at the elbow, wherever, and teams have to respect him. So if I can space and give him room and keep the defense honest, that helps. And we’ve had really good chemistry since he’s been here," Curry added.

It was Butler’s playoff debut as a Warrior, and he didn’t disappoint. He dropped 25 points and grabbed 7 rebounds, making tough plays on both ends of the court.

Curry finished with 31 points on 12-of-19 shooting (5-of-9 from deep). He also gathered 6 rebounds and 3 assists.

For the Rockets, Alperen Sengun was having a good game with 26 points and 9 rebounds, and Fred VanVleet added 10 points and 7 assists.