Rockets must relentlessly attack Steph Curry to defeat the Warriors

The Houston Rockets know how hard it is to deal with Steph Curry:

They know too well.

He's been terrorizing the Rockets for a decade. So far, nothing has changed in 2025. In Game One of the Rockets' series with the Warriors, Curry was once again a force of nature.

The Rockets won't be able to stop him. They'll be lucky to contain him. The Rockets have many defensive players who can make his life difficult, but Curry is the type of offensive dynamo that nobody will stop.

Could the Rockets punish him on the other end?

Rockets must punish Curry offensively

Zach Lowe thinks so. He's one of the brightest minds in basketball, and he's hatched an ingenious plan to help the Rockets exploit Curry's size.

"If he's trying to hide on Amen Thompson or Tari Eason, those guys can back him down...it forces the Warriors to make decisions."

-Zach Lowe

Here's hoping Ime Udoka is a fan of Lowe. This is a good idea. Either Thompson or Eason would have a tremendous size advantage against Curry.

Each can use that advantage differently on the low block.

Rockets should alter offensive gameplan

Thompson and Eason are vastly different players. Thompson is the far superior passer. The Rockets could use him as a hub when Curry is guarding him.

Sure, Thompson isn't accustomed to trying to score in the low post. It shouldn't be too difficult against Curry. Thompson can use his height and strength to bully Curry. When the Warriors adjust, he'll have no trouble finding the open man.

Eason's approach should be different. He's been utilizing a nifty mid-range fadeaway this season. He should have no issue finding that shot if Curry is guarding him. When the Warriors hide Curry on Eason, he ought to attack.

Could this be the strategy that wins Houston this series?

Rockets need to execute on all fronts

No.

Thompson and Eason can exploit Curry. If they do it enough, Steve Kerr may opt to put Curry back on Fred VanVleet or Jalen Green. Based on the outcome of Game One, the Warriors may live with that outcome.

Either way, playing Curry off the floor won't be an option. Even if the Rockets find free money with this strategy, he's the center of the Warriors' universe. Curry is the key to their offense.

Moreover, the Rockets shouldn't completely overhaul their offense to feature two wings in the post. This is a good plan, but it's got limited utility.

That's fine. The playoffs are about finding every possible advantage. The Rockets need to leverage their size advantage in several ways, and this could be one.

Punishing Steph Curry is just icing on the cake.