- NBA. Shaquille O'Neal warns two young Celtics fans about not yelling in his ear about Boston
- NBA. LeBron James accused: This NBA champions' bold statement sparks controversy
Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and the Golden State Warriors made a resounding statement with their Game 1 victory over the Houston Rockets in the NBA Playoffs, delivering a powerful message to Charles Barkley, who was among the first to question the team's potential.
Before the game, the NBA Hall of Famer shared his skepticism about the series, casting doubt on Stephen Curry's ability to lead, despite Curry's status as one of the game's elite players.
Stephen Curry silences Charles Barkley's controversial take
Ahead of the matchup, Barkley, an analyst for NBA on TNT, questioned Curry's stamina for the postseason.
I already picked the Rockets to win this series... I just think the Rockets got more talent.
"Plain and simple. I think the home court is going to be the difference in this series. I think the energy level that Steph is going to have to put forward, I don't know if he can sustain it for seven games. I really don't... It's going to be a long series, but I like the Rockets." said Barkley.
At 37, Stephen Curry remains one of the NBA's premier talents. Since Jimmy Butler ed the Warriors, the Bay Area franchise has solidified its place among the league's elite. Curry wrapped up the regular season averaging 24.5 points, six assists, and shooting 44.8% from the field.
The last time Curry competed in the playoffs was in 2023, when the Warriors fell to the Los Angeles Lakers in the second round. Notably, Curry has led Golden State to four NBA championships since the 2015 season, cementing his legacy as a game-changer.
Stephen Curry erupted for 31 points, powering the Golden State Warriors to a commanding 95-85 victory over the Houston Rockets in Game 1 of their first-round NBA playoff series on Sunday night.
The seventh-seeded Warriors surged to a 23-point lead in the third quarter, showcasing their trademark firepower. Though the second-seeded Rockets battled back, narrowing the gap to 69-60 by the start of the fourth, Golden State held firm to secure the win and steal home-court advantage.