Stephen Curry scores 34 to push Warriors past Rockets in Game 1

Stephen Curry most certainly had it cooking in Game 1.

Curry scored a game-high 34 points as the Golden State Warriors defeated the Houston Rockets by a score of 110-106 in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals.

It was a tightly-contested battle in which both teams traded their best punches behind their respective superstars. Curry splashed six triples and had the Oracle Arena on their feet, but James Harden was equally as impressive, finishing with 28 points, 11 rebounds, nine assists and four steals.

Related: VIDEO: Steph Curry's daughter is the press conference MVP

In the end, it was the Warriors that managed to hold on despite a stirring comeback attempt by the Rockets. Houston went on a 9-0 run late in the fourth, but Curry drained two free throws in the dying moments to seal the victory for Golden State.

Of note, Rockets center Dwight Howard sustained a left knee bruise and was noticeably limited. He managed to play 16 minutes after knocking knees with teammate Josh Smith, but was only able to play 51 seconds in the fourth before checking out. He'll have an MRI on Wednesday.

Turning Point

Curry doesn't just dominate. He demoralizes.

There is no defense against the best players in the world, something Curry's counterpart Harden demonstrated in the fourth. Harden tortured Klay Thompson, dropping step-back jumpers and coaxing fouls in the way only Harden can. He scored 10 points in the first six minutes of the fourth quarter, the including an 18-footer that tied the game at 97 apiece with six minutes remaining.

However, Curry was equally unguardable. Curry responded to Harden's hot spurt with nine points of his own down the stretch, including an impossible transition three while being fouled.

Curry's miraculous shot gave the Warriors a nine-point edge, a lead they would not relinquish.

Star Performer

Curry did most of the scoring. He scored 34 points and drained six treys in addition to five assists while committing just one turnover.

However, this game could not have been won for Golden State without the efforts of Draymond Green.

The Rockets led for much of the first half. With their high-octane transition game revved up in fifth gear, Houston raced out to a cartload of easy points against the Warriors.

But Green's versatility allowed for Steve Kerr to turn the tides with an innovative small-ball unit. Green played center - against Howard, no less - alongside four guards. That allowed the Warriors to out-run the Rockets, while spreading the floor with five shooters.

Green stoned Howard, holding him to 0-for-1 shooting with three turnovers over a key three-minute stretch as the Warriors went on a 21-4 run over the final six minutes of the first half. The run erased the Rockets' 14-point edge and handed Golden State a three-point lead heading into halftime.

Green finished with a near triple-double, stuffing the boxscore with 14 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists while logging a game-high 43 minutes.

Highlight Reel

Harden toys with Thompson:

Harrison Barnes gets up for the putback:

Additional Highlights:

• Curry beats the halftime buzzer
• Green pins Trevor Ariza

Series at a Glance

Game 1: Warriors 110, Rockets 106 (Warriors lead 1-0)
Game 2: Thursday, May 21, ESPN, 9 p.m. ET
Game 3: Saturday, May 23, ESPN, 9 p.m. ET
Game 4: Monday, May 25, ESPN, 9 p.m. ET
Game 5*: Wednesday, May 27, ESPN, 9 p.m. ET
Game 6*: Friday, May 29, ESPN, 9 p.m. ET
Game 7*: Sunday, May 31, ESPN, 9 p.m. ET

*if necessary

Alternative Series at a Glance

Chef Curry cooked the Rockets: