In an exciting Game 7 showdown on Sunday night, Buddy Hield and Stephen Curry led the Golden State Warriors to a 103-89 victory over the Houston Rockets, advancing them to the Western Conference semifinals. Hield’s remarkable 33-point performance, including nine 3-pointers, set the tone early, while Curry took control late, scoring 14 of his 22 points in the fourth quarter. The Warriors, who have now eliminated Houston five times in playoff history, will face the Minnesota Timberwolves in the next round.
Hield’s Early Impact
Buddy Hield became the unexpected hero for the Warriors in Game 7. After a quiet performance in Game 6, Hield erupted for 22 points in the first half, making six 3-pointers. This was crucial in giving Golden State a 12-point lead at halftime. While Curry struggled early, scoring only three points before the break, Hield’s offensive explosion set the stage for a thrilling second half. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr praised Hield’s performance, noting that it wasn’t just his shooting but his fantastic defense as well.
Curry Shines in the Fourth Quarter
Despite Hield’s strong first half, the Rockets didn’t back down. Houston, led by Amen Thompson’s 24 points, managed to cut the Warriors’ lead to just eight heading into the final quarter. However, Curry stepped up when it mattered most. He scored 14 points in the fourth quarter, including a key contested 3-pointer and a crucial assist to Hield for another three. With just over two minutes left in the game, Curry’s 3-pointer made it 94-74, effectively sealing the game and sending many Rockets fans heading for the exits.
Warriors’ Strong Defense and Team Effort
Golden State’s defense also played a significant role in the victory. Draymond Green, who contributed 16 points, was key on both ends of the floor, while Curry added 10 rebounds and seven assists. Kerr highlighted the team effort, saying the Warriors showed incredible resolve in their performance. The Warriors had four starters in double figures, with Jimmy Butler adding 20 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists, helping the team to its 28-11 record since his February 8 debut.
Rockets Fall Short Despite Strong Performances
The Rockets, who managed to force Game 7 with two consecutive wins, couldn’t finish the job. Fred VanVleet, who had been pivotal in Houston’s comeback, was held to just 17 points on 6-of-13 shooting. His performance in the final game was far from his 55-point contribution in the last two contests. Rockets head coach Ime Udoka said the team had their chances but would use the loss as motivation for next season.
Despite a solid showing from Alperen Sengun (21 points, 14 rebounds), the Rockets’ other key players struggled. Jalen Green, who had 38 points in a Game 2 win, finished with just eight points, contributing to Houston’s early exit in their first playoff appearance since 2020.
Warriors Overcome Challenges
The Warriors’ victory wasn’t without its own challenges. They played without key reserve Gary Payton II, who was sidelined by an illness. Kerr described Payton as being very sick, leaving the team to rely on its depth. Even without Payton, the Warriors’ balanced attack, led by Curry and Hield, proved too much for the Rockets to handle.
Warriors to Face Timberwolves
With the win, Golden State now looks ahead to a matchup with the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference semifinals. The Warriors will travel to Minnesota for Game 1 on Tuesday night. The Timberwolves, who have been one of the league’s surprise teams this season, will be a tough opponent, but the Warriors are confident in their ability to build on this hard-fought Game 7 victory.
