It was a battle between the two MVP candidates from the regular season, Stephen Curry and James Harden. Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals had all kind of thrills and excitement, and Curry mustered an MVP-like performance to get his team past the scrappy Houston Rockets in a 110-106 victory.

It wasn’t as easy as imagined for the Golden State Warriors, as the Rockets came out the gates well prepared. The Oracle Arena was rocking early, but Houston quickly took the crowd out of the game with phenomenal play on both ends of the floor.

Through the first quarter and a half, Houston’s defense was spectacular and their offense was orchestrated beautifully by Harden. Rockets’ bench provided a ton of energy from the start, especially rookie Clint Capela who came up with a couple of key blocks and big time offensive plays.

Houston ultimately took a 16-point lead with a little under seven minutes to go in the second period. That’s the biggest lead the Rockets would enjoy, as Stephen Curry and Co. fired back very quickly.

Since Andrew Bogut was in foul trouble, Steve Kerr opted to go with a small lineup, playing Draymond Green at the center position. Behind Green’s electrifying defense on a much bigger Dwight Howard, the Warriors immediately gained energy and momentum. In a blink of an eye, they knotted the game at 53 with a minute and 20 seconds remaining in the first half. They eventually took a three-point lead into intermission thanks to a step back Stephen Curry buzzer beater.

Though, the Rockets did not let the game get out of hand. They retained focus and continued to play with determination in the second half.

James Harden, who scored 21 of his 28 points in the second 24 minutes, exploded mid-fourth quarter, showing his entire repertoire. He was scoring in different variety, whether it was taking it to the rim, knocking down step back jumpers, or pulling up for long two-pointers. Klay Thompson’s excellent defense did not faze Harden.

However, it was just a one-man show for the Rockets, while the Warriors were demonstrating graceful ball movement. Draymond Green nearly posted a triple-double, putting in 13 points, 12 rebounds, and a team-high eight assists. His versatility has been a major reason why the Warriors have succeeded, and it was put on display again tonight.

“Draymond was great,” coach Kerr said after the win. “The way he competes, it’s nice to have him on the floor. That’s why he played 42 minutes and 47 seconds.”

Harden was also close to recording a triple-double, finishing with 28 points, 11 rebounds, nine assists, and four steals on 11 of 20 shooting from the floor. His offense was unstoppable, but he needed more help from his teammates.

Dwight Howard logged just 26 minutes. He hurt his knee early in the first half after Josh Smith fell on his leg and injured the big man. He totaled seven points and 13 rebounds but had five turnovers. Howard played through the injury in the third period but was unable to see any action in the fourth. They are calling it a bruised knee, and his injury is certainly a cause for concern.

Howard, however, felt differently about his injury after the game. “I don’t think it’s going to be something that is going to restrict me from playing for the rest of the series,” he said.

Stephen Curry led all scorers with 34 points to go along with six rebounds, five assists, and two steals. He also knocked down six triples.

Shaun Livingston was a key part of Golden State’s second quarter comeback, as the combo guard placed 16 first half points and finished with 18 total on 6 of 8 shooting. He was a team-high plus-16 on the floor in 29 minutes as well.

The Warriors have taken a 1-0 series lead. Game 2 will take place on Thursday, May 21st, at the Oracle Arena in Oakland at 9 pm EST.