The Houston Rockets fell short in their first playoff game since 2019 with a 95-85 loss in Game 1 to the Golden State Warriors at the Toyota Center Sunday night. Alperen Sengun led the way for the Rockets with a 26-point and nine rebound effort, but Stephen Curry and the Warriors were ultimately too much for the young-Rockets squad. (Photos by Sean Thomas)

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    Alperen Sengun with a jam over Draymond Green.
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    Jabari Smith Jr. and Alperen Sengun postgame.
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    The Red Rowdies were early in loud for the playoffs.
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    Amen Thompson makes a pass.
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    Jabari Smith Jr.
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    A sea of red.
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    Fred VanVleet.
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    Jalen Green pregame.
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    Fans were lined up early for the first playoff game since 2019.
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    Houston Rockets PA Announcer encourages fans pregame.
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    Fred VanVleet and Stephen Curry battle for a loose ball.
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    Houston Texans quarterback CJ Stroud, running back Joe Mixon, and wide receiver Tank Dell were in attendance.
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    Houston Hip-hop Legend Bun B took the first shot for the Rockets pregame.
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    Alperen Sengun and Jabari Smith Jr.
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    Clutch City Dancer.
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    Ime Udoka.
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    Rockets fans sign pregame.
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    Jabari Smith Jr and Amen Thompson.
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    Jalen Green.
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    A sea of red thanks to free playoff T-Shirts.
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    Alperen Sengun shoots over Stephen Curry.
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    Game 1 was broadcasted nationally on TNT.
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    Jalen Greens latest colorway for his signature shoes.
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    Alperen Sengun with a jam over Draymond Green.
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    Tari Eason.
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    Alperen Sengun led the Rockets in scoring.
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    Jabari Smith Jr.
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    Alperen Sengun.
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    Fred VanVleet.
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    Playoff T-Shirts.
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    Houston Hip-hop Legend Bun B.
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    Amen Thompson closes out on a jumpshot.
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    Rockets GM Rafael Stone and Warriors guard Gary Payton Jr. pregame.
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    Clutch City Dancer.
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    Jabari Smith Jr. knocks down a three-pointer
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    The NBA Playoffs are back in Houston.
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    Amen Thompson.
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    Jabari Smith Jr. pregame.
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    Dillon Brooks.