Rockets foiled by poor shooting in Game 1 loss to Warriors in playoffs

HOUSTON (AP) — While Steph Curry was hitting circus shots for the Golden State Warriors on Sunday night, Fred VanVleet and the Houston Rockets couldn’t seem to get much of anything to go in — even wide-open looks.

VanVleet and Jalen Green made just 7 of 34 shots in Houston’s 95-85 loss to Golden State in Game 1 of the first-round playoff series Sunday night.

VanVleet was 2 for 13 from 3-point range on a night Houston made just 6 of 29 3-pointers and was 11 for 20 on free throws.

“It was an offensively poor showing,” coach Ime Udoka said. “The defense was good enough but we’re not going to overreact to that game. It was some of those guys first time and we had our chances.”

The second-seeded Rockets, who returned to the playoffs for the first time since 2020, had three players in their starting lineup and two reserves making their playoff debuts Sunday. Of those young players in the postseason for the first time, the only one to play well was Alperen Sengun, who led the team with 26 points and nine rebounds.

Despite the poor shooting, Houston managed to get within four points with about 2 1/2 minutes left on a 3 by VanVleet. But he missed two 3s after that and Warriors went on a run to close it out.

“We can generate better looks,” VanVleet said. “I think our spacing can get better. We can make more shots, obviously, myself included — didn’t shoot the ball great tonight.”

The Rockets managed to keep it close late thanks in part to their offensive rebounding where they had a 22-6 advantage. They’re encouraged that they were able to get within striking distance late after falling behind by 23 in the third quarter.

“We’ve just got to clean some things up on the offensive end and it’s definitely encouraging knowing that we were still in the game despite being down that much,” Jabari Smith said. “We stayed together and showed some growth tonight.”

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Houston Rockets forward Dillon Brooks (9) shoots against Golden State Warriors guard Buddy Hield (7) during the first half of Game 1 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series in Houston, Sunday, April 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Golden State Warriors' Moses Moody (4) defends against Houston Rockets' Jalen Green (4) during the second half of Game 1 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series in Houston, Sunday, April 20, 2025. (Scott Strazzante/San Francisco Chronicle via AP)

Golden State Warriors' Draymond Green, right, fouls Houston Rockets' Dillon Brooks in the second half of Game 1 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series in Houston Sunday, April 20, 2025. (Scott Strazzante/San Francisco Chronicle via AP)

Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) defends against Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) during the second half of Game 1 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series in Houston, Sunday, April 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Houston Rockets forward Amen Thompson (1) takes control of the ball from Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III (10) during the second half of Game 1 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series in Houston, Sunday, April 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) celebrates with center Alperen Sengun (28) after making a shot during the second half of Game 1 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the Golden State Warriors in Houston, Sunday, April 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel said Wednesday that he hasn't heard anything from the NFL that would prevent Stefon Diggs from playing in Sunday's regular-season finale as the receiver faces strangulation and other criminal charges in connection with a dispute with his former private chef.

The Patriots voiced their support for Diggs in a statement Tuesday after the allegations became public. Vrabel echoed that support.

“We’ve made a statement and we’ve taken the allegations very seriously,” Vrabel said. "I don’t think we have to jump to any sort of conclusions right now. Let the process take its toll.”

Diggs didn't speak with reporters Wednesday as he has typically done throughout the season. But he was in the locker room prior to practice and on the practice field with the team.

The NFL issued a statement saying Diggs is eligible to play.

News of the charges against Diggs emerged after a court hearing Tuesday in Dedham, Massachusetts. Diggs is charged with felony strangulation or suffocation and misdemeanor assault and battery.

According to police, the chef told investigators that Diggs hit her and tried to choke her during a discussion about money.

Diggs’ lawyer, David Meier, said in an emailed statement that Diggs “categorically denies these allegations.” Meier described the allegations as unsubstantiated and uncorroborated.

A court arraignment is scheduled for Jan. 23.

Vrabel said he didn't anticipate the situation being a distraction for his team. The Patriots are currently 13-3 and have already wrapped up their first AFC East title since 2019. With a victory against Miami on Sunday and a loss or tie by the Denver Broncos against the Chargers, New England would also secure the conference's top seed in the playoffs and a first-round bye.

“I think these are allegations. ... Things that we have to handle,” Vrabel said. "Every day there are distractions, some are smaller than others. I’m confident that we’ll focus on the Dolphins.”

Diggs, 32, joined New England before this season after a trade from Houston. He has been a standout player for the Patriots, leading the team with 82 catches and 970 yards receiving.

AP reporters Mike Casey in Boston, and Mark Scolforo in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania contributed.

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New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs (8) runs against the New York Jets during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

FILE - New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs (8) leaves the field following an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov 23, 2025, in Cincinnati, Ohio. (AP Photo/Peter Joneleit, File)