NBA Playoffs: Golden State Warriors Take Opener

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — The Golden State Warriors have taken Game 1 of the NBA's Western Conference semifinals by storming back from a 16-point, first-half deficit.

Stephen Curry capped his 34-point night by hitting two free throws in the closing seconds of the Warriors' 110-106 triumph over Houston. Golden State trailed 49-33 until Shaun Livingston scored 10 points during a 25-6 run that ended the first half and put the Warriors ahead by three. Curry capped the spurt with a jumper in the waning moments of the half.

Livingston scored 14 of his 18 points in the second period and finished with six rebounds in less than 29 minutes off the bench. Curry was 6-for-11 from 3-point range to help the Warriors overcome a bad shooting night by Klay Thompson, who was 6 of 18 in scoring 15 points.

James Harden contributed 28 points, 11 rebounds, nine assists and four steals for the Rockets, but Dwight Howard finished with just seven points after bruising his left knee in the first quarter. Trevor Ariza chipped in 20 points for Houston, including a 3-pointer that got the Rockets within 108-106.

In Other NBA News:

— Cavaliers All-Star guard Kyrie Irving had a "light, but good" practice a day before Cleveland opens the Eastern Conference finals in Atlanta. Irving has been slowed by knee and foot injuries during the postseason, but expects to play in the opener against the Hawks on Wednesday night. Cavs coach David Blatt has been pleased with Irving's progress.

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